DENTAL STATUS OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND WAYS TO IMPROVE THE ORGANIZATION OF THERAPEUTIC AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Abstract

As a result of the continuing changes in the condition of tissues and organs of the dental cavity and the body as a whole, there is a rise in the intensity of tooth decay and periodontal diseases with the onset of pregnancy. The aim of our research was to look into the prevalence and severity of pathology in the hard tissues of teeth and periodontal tissues during pregnancy, as well as to figure out how to better organize therapeutic and prophylactic steps for pregnant women. A comprehensive epidemiological study of 170 pregnant women aged 18 to 40 living in Tbilisi was carried out according to the WHO method. The findings show a high prevalence of dental cavity (from 61 percent to 98.8%) and a high severity of dental caries among pregnant women (from 2.55 1.03 to 14.31 5.44). The intensity of caries indicators increased as the gestational stage lengthened, but the greatest increase was observed in the second trimester of pregnancy. The results indicate a substantial prevalence of periodontal pathology (according to the PMA index) among pregnant women, with the level of pathology increasing with their age and gestational age (from 41.7 percent to 78.8 percent). By the end of the second trimester of pregnancy, the most noticeable improvements in periodontal tissues had been observed. Oral hygiene played a big role in determining the presence and incidence of periodontal disease. Low dental health indicators and worsening dental status during pregnancy point to the need for a more comprehensive diagnosis of all risk factors for major dental diseases, as well as the implementation of all stages of therapeutic and prophylactic interventions during pregnancy, based on the findings of a complete dental examination.