Harmful habits for oral health in pregnant women in Ecuador

Abstract

Pregnancy is a stage where expectant mother will feel physical and physiological changes, so she should take care of her oral health because this can affect the baby. The objective was evaluate harmful habits for oral health in pregnant women that were treated at the neighborhood clinic “6 de Julio”, north of Quito - Ecuador. This study was made in the months of April and May 2016 with a universe of 125 pregnant women. The sample was 45, who went to prenatal care during these months, was implemented multiple-choice questions at the investigation, and information was collected about: eating habits, oral hygiene habits and harmful habits in this period of gestation. There are habits that can be harmful health by mother and baby, in our study had a 72.7% of pregnant women who drink coffee, and 36.3% bite their nails. According to the data collected 100% reported any bad habits. While to brush teeth 20% brush their teeth twice a day and 80% more than twice a day, the frequency of change of toothbrush 40% was changed in less than 6 months and 60%, more than 6 months. We should do emphasis at the care of oral cavity as an integral part of the body and should reduce bad habits during pregnant period.