Periodic management of oral emergencies may avoid any significant effects on both the mother and the child: Study
Dental health has an increased potential to influence our general health. Pregnant women are more susceptible to oral problems which may turn out to be a dental emergency. Multiple factors give rise to oral emergencies in expectant mothers. It may be due to hormonal changes which further have an impact on periodontal health or may be due to any external factors such as untreated dental caries or any trauma.
Obstetricians are the primary care givers of maternal women therefore, they play a major role in diagnosing and managing dental emergencies in them. Hence, it is essential to understand their knowledge and perception regarding oral health emergency management. Moreover, it is also vital to know the usage of appropriate medication in managing oral pain and infections, safe usage of local anaesthesia and understanding the consequence of dental procedures that need to be performed in such patients.
This study aimed to investigate the awareness and preparedness of obstetricians and gynaecologists (OBGYNs) regarding dental emergencies among antenatal women. By exploring the current knowledge base and response protocols of these healthcare professionals, authors seek to identify gaps and opportunities to improve health outcomes for both mother and the child.
Among 100 obstetricians and gynaecologists (OB-GYNs) a cross-sectional survey was conducted. Based on participant’s demographic details, comprehension of dental emergencies and their confidence level in antenatal dental care, a questionnaire containing 20 awareness based questions were conducted. To investigate OB-GYNs point of view on dental emergencies in antenatal women, a descriptive analysis was used.
100 OB-GYNs took part in this questionnaire based survey. They all came to a conclusion that dental emergencies will create an impact in pregnant women’s overall health condition which leads to complicated pregnancy. In the event of an oral health emergency, 70% of respondents said they would recommend pregnant women to dentist.77.8% agreed to cooperate with dentist in enhancing pregnancy outcomes.
The knowledge and perception of OB-GYNs in diagnosing and managing oral health emergencies in expectant mothers is essential as they lead to adverse effects in both mother and the child. There are various causes which lead to dental emergencies. It may be due to hormonal or due to oral infections and trauma. Studies shows that while OB-GYNs, generally understood the importance of oral health, there is a gap in specific knowledge in treatment of dental issues.
Dental emergencies that can arise during pregnancy, includes acute periodontal abscess, pulpitis and periapical abscess, maxillofacial fractures, avulsed tooth and fractured tooth leading to severe pain and potential spread of infection. Gingival overgrowth such as pregnancy tumours (pyogenic granulomas), which can bleed profusely, can cause discomfort. Prompt identification and appropriate referral for these conditions are essential in preventing complications. Several barriers hinder effective management of dental emergencies by OB-GYNs. There is often insufficient collaboration between dental and medical professionals, leading to fragmented care. Pregnant women may avoid dental visits due to fear of harming the foetus or due to misconceptions about the safety of dental procedures during pregnancy. To enhance the management of dental emergencies during pregnancy, several strategies can be implemented. Incorporating comprehensive oral health education into OB-GYNs training programs can equip future practitioners with the necessary knowledge to recognize and manage dental emergencies. Therefore, regular communication and referral pathways should be established to facilitate this collaboration. Educating pregnant women about the importance of oral health and the safety of dental treatments during pregnancy can mitigate fears and encourage proactive dental care.
Most of the OB-GYNs have knowledge on the correlation between dental emergencies and maternal health. However, they lack certain awareness in managing dental emergencies. Enhancing the knowledge and awareness of dental emergencies among OB-GYNs could lead to management of oral health in antenatal women, potentially improving pregnancy outcomes. This collaboration between medical and dental professionals, along with comprehensive patient education, is essential to address this critical aspect of antenatal care. Furthermore, training on understanding the dental pathologies and the related procedures for OB-GYNs will be more helpful to address the problem effectively.
Source: Rajendran et al. / Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research 2025;12(4):657–661
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