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Oral health status and treatment needs of pregnant women attending primary and tertiary healthcare centres of Telangana, India: A population-based cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A BSTRACT Context: Maternal oral health plays an important role in pregnancy outcomes but is often overlooked in antenatal care in India. Aims: This study aimed to assess and compare oral health status and treatment needs among pregnant women attending primary and tertiary healthcare centres in Telangana. Settings and Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 362 primigravida women recruited from eight primary health centres (PHCs) and a tertiary care hospital. Methods and Materials: Oral health status and treatment needs were assessed using WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (2013) with Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index; Community Periodontal Index; and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analysed using Chi-square and independent t-tests with P < 0.05 considered significant. Results: PHC participants showed significantly lower socioeconomic status, poorer oral hygiene practices, and fewer dental visits during pregnancy ( P = 0.001). The mean OHI-S scores for each participant were significantly higher in the PHC group (2.83 ± 1.21) than in tertiary participants (2.42 ± 1.15; P = 0.001), reflecting comparatively poorer oral hygiene in the PHC group. Both groups showed high levels of dental caries and periodontal disease. However, women attending the PHC had substantially higher treatment needs. The requirement for root canal treatment was significantly higher in the PHC group ( P = 0.040). Overall dental treatment needs were greater among PHC participants ( P = 0.003). Conclusion: Significant disparities exist in oral health status and access to dental care between primary and tertiary healthcare settings, with a higher burden of untreated disease in primary care. Integrating oral health screening and preventive services into routine antenatal care is essential to improve both maternal and foetal health outcomes.

Source: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care

DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2155_25