Food intake, oral hygiene and gingival bleeding in pregnancy: Does lifestyle make a difference? A cross sectional exploratory study

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the association between lifestyle factors (food intake, sugary snacks consumption and oral health practices) and gingival bleeding during pregnancy.        

Methods: A cross sectional exploratory study was conducted in the Maternity hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It included pregnant Saudi women selected using a convenience sample. Information was collected concerning participants' background, oral hygiene practices and visits to dentists. They were asked about the amount of food they consumed and their use of sugary snacks. Logistic regression analysis assessed the association between lifestyle factors and gingival bleeding. 

Results: Responses were obtained from 197 women (92.1% response rate). Most women brushed their teeth but had < the recommended intake in the various food groups. Brushing was associated with lower odd of gingival bleeding (odds ratio= 0.47, 95% confidence interval= 0.23, 0.93) whereas intake of fewer servings than the recommended amounts in all food groups was associated with higher odds (odds ratio = 3.64, 95% confidence interval = 1.12, 11.82).

Conclusion: Brushing and food intake during pregnancy are associated with gingival bleeding. Pregnant women can potentially improve their oral health by modifying their lifestyle and following healthier practices.

Key Words: Pregnancy, oral health, lifestyle, food

 

Keywords:

Pregnancy Oral Health Life Style
Gaffar, B. O., El Tantawi, M. M., AlAgl, A. S., & Al-Ansari, A. A. (2016). Food intake, oral hygiene and gingival bleeding in pregnancy: Does lifestyle make a difference? A cross sectional exploratory study. International Journal of Health Sciences, 10(1). Retrieved from https://pub.qu.edu.sa/index.php/journal/article/view/1295
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Author Biographies

Balgis O. Gaffar, College of Dentistry, University of Dammam
Lecturer, Department of Preventive Dental Sciences
Maha M.A. El Tantawi, College of Dentistry, University of Dammam
Associate Professor, Department of Preventive Dental Sciences
Adel S. AlAgl, College of Dentistry, University of Dammam
Associate Professor, Department of Preventive Dental Sciences
Asim A, Al-Ansari, College of Dentistry, University of Dammam
Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive Dental Sciences

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