Study on Health Promotion Needs in the Prophylaxis of Dental Pathology in Pregnant Women

Abstract

We performed an inquiry in order to test health education needs in the prophylaxis of dental pathology by applying an original anonymous work questionnaire including 29 items to all pregnant women (68 women) followed up by two family medicine practices, one in an urban area and the other in a rural area of Ocna Mures region, in 2006. The ethnic structure in the rural environment shows a 90.09% proportion of Rroma pregnant women. The study evidences an increased birth rate outside marriage, only 1/4 of the questioned women being married, a low education level, the absence of a stable work place, only 64.71% of the pregnant women report to know that periodic dental checkups are indicated, all subjects in the rural environment ignore which is the most important tooth brushing of the day and the role of fluoride in the toothpaste or caries-prophylactic food. The study shows an increased oral health education need in the population group of pregnant women. The role of the health care team including the dentist and the prophylaxis assistant as the main prophylactic caregivers should increase in the future. The implication of the team in high quality medical services both in the urban and rural environment, regardless of the socioeconomic and professional status of the population, should reach higher standards.