European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PREVALENCE OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN SOUTH OF JORDAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

*Marwan Showayter BDS, Zaid Al Tamimi BDS, Abdalrahman Hamed BDS, Hossam Al-Fuqaha DDS,
Ahmad AlKhatib BDS, Basema Ali MD and Saif Aburumman MS

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Pregnancy introduces a unique physiological state characterized by hormonal fluctuations that can affect periodontal health. The increased levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy enhance the vascular permeability of the gingiva, promoting the proliferation of periodontal pathogens and predisposing pregnant women to periodontal disease. Purpose: This study aims to delineate the prevalence of periodontal disease in pregnant women and explore the associated gynecological and obstetric factors, including but not limited to preterm birth, preeclampsia, fetal growth classifications (such as small or large for gestational age), gravidity, parity, obstetric complications, and the type of delivery. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study design, in which we enrolled pregnant women from various prenatal clinics attending at Prince Hashim bin Abdullah II in Aqaba between the period of February/2024-May/2024. Comprehensive periodontal examinations were conducted to assess the periodontal status using indices such as the Plaque Index, Bleeding on Probing, and Periodontal Pocket Depth. Gynecological and obstetric data, including pregnancy outcomes and complications, were collected through patient interviews and medical record reviews. Statistical analyses will involve statistical tests such as Wilcoxon rank-sum, chi-square, and fisher’s exact test to identify factors significantly associated with periodontal disease during pregnancy. Results: In this study we enrolled 225 patients, the median age was 29 years, and the median gravidity was 3. Most patients were multiparous, with a median gestational age of 32 weeks. Significant differences were observed in periodontal disease markers: patients with periodontal disease had higher median bleeding on probing (74 vs. 24, p<0.001) and greater probing depths (2.70 vs. 2.55, p<0.001) compared to those without periodontal disease. Other demographic and obstetric variables showed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: Our study highlights the prevalence of periodontal disease among pregnant women and its significant impact on oral health. While no direct link to adverse obstetric outcomes was found, the potential for systemic inflammation underscores the need for routine periodontal screening and proactive management as part of prenatal care.

Keywords: Periodontal disease, pregnant women, preterm birth, preeclampsia, gestational age, gravidity, parity, obstetric complications.