Perception of pregnant women in relation to dental care during pregnancy

Abstract

Object: To verify the existence of oral health practices and actions of health professionals during prenatal care in the conception of the pregnant woman. Method: This observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study is based on selfreporting by the mothers, in the age range of 18-35 years in Monsinhor Gil, Piauí, Brazil. The women answered a questionnaire on how to seek dental care during pregnancy. Results: Among the 66 women surveyed 18,2% stated that they received guidance from doctors regarding a dental consultation, 21,2% of nurses, 16,7% of community healthcare workers and 34,8% of dental surgeons. Conclusion: Physicians, nurses, healthcare workers and dental-surgeons have difficulties in guiding pregnant women on oral healthcare as well as for the future child and demonstrates the lack of guidance from the family health strategy healthcare professionals in performing oral health practices and actions that encourage pregnant women to perform dental visits.