The Prevalence and Severity of Dental Caries Among Pregnant Women in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Aim: To assess in a pilot study the prevalence and severity of dental caries among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted. Data collection consisted of clinical examinations and general questionnaires concerning oral hygiene habits and recent dental visits of pregnant and non-pregnant women. Prevalence and severity of caries was determined by the CAST index and the CAST severity score. Permission for this study was granted by the National Research Ethics Commission of Brazil. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Results: In total, 67 pregnant women were included (mean age (SD) 25.5 ± 5.4 years) and 79 non-pregnant women (26.0 ± 5.3 years). Mean number of teeth with untreated caries (CAST 4-7) among pregnant women was significantly lower (1.2 ± 1.8) compared to non-pregnant women (2.7 ± 4.0; Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.027). In both groups, 40-60% were in need of curative treatment. There was no significant difference between the two groups in frequency of dental visits (p > 0.05), but pregnant women brushed their teeth more often (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Pregnant women in the state of Rio de Janeiro have fewer untreated caries and less severe dental caries compared to non-pregnant women. Still, half of all women in this study are in need of curative treatment for at least one tooth. Effective preventive programs should therefore be developed to stimulate preventive oral care among all women.

Keywords: Dental caries. Oral health. Preventive dentistry. Pregnant women. Clinical study.

Fig. 1

Percentage of women classified into categories by severity score: mild disease (CAST 0–1.25), moderate disease (CAST > 1.25–6.75) and severe disease (CAST > 6.75). * post-hoc chi-square test p = < 0.01)

Fig. 2

Prevalence of CAST scores in teeth of pregnant and non-pregnant women * Statistically significant between pregnant and non-pregnant women with post-hoc chi-square test, Bonferroni correction alpha = 0.01 (CAST 0 sound; CAST 1 sealant; CAST 2 restoration; CAST 3 enamel changes, without cavitation; CAST 4 caries into dentin; CAST 5 cavitation into dentin, pulp chamber intact; CAST 6 caries with the pulp chamber involved; CAST 7 abscess/fistula; CAST 8 tooth loss because of caries; CAST 9 other)