Oral hygiene attitudes, general health and educational level in italian post-partum women

Introduction: This study collected data about oral hygiene habits and status, life style and socio-demographic level in a population of 750 postpartum women who had delivered at the University hospitals of Milano, Roma and Sassari. Methods: Each woman received bedside a standardized questionnaire concerning demography, education, systemic health, smoking habits, oral hygiene habits and self-reported gingival conditions. Results: Ninety-nine percent of the women brushed their teeth daily, 62% after every main meal, 22% used auxiliary oral products, the majority ate sweets frequently and 46% visited a dentist only in case of pain. Using auxiliary products beyond toothbrush and toothpaste was associated to a healthier oral status. Educational level was the major indicator of adequate oral health. Conclusion: Oral care during pregnancy is advocated, including information on diet, periodontal disease and pregnancy outcomes and oral hygiene techniques, in public hospitals in order to include women with a lower socio-demographic status