Poor Oral Health in Pregnancy: A Hidden Challenge for Mothers in Riyadh
New study reveals low awareness, limited dental care use, and the urgent need for better prenatal oral health education.
Why Oral Health Matters During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a phase filled with rapid physical and hormonal changes—many of which also affect the mouth. Swollen gums, increased risk of cavities, and gum infections are all more likely to occur during these nine months.
But while oral health may seem secondary compared to other prenatal concerns, research shows it’s deeply connected to pregnancy outcomes. Gum disease, for example, has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight, while untreated dental caries can influence a baby’s future oral health.
Despite this importance, global research consistently shows that pregnant women often receive little guidance or support regarding oral hygiene—and the new study from Riyadh confirms this trend.
What the Researchers Wanted to Find Out
A team of researchers from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University conducted one of the largest surveys in Saudi Arabia to date on this topic. Using a validated questionnaire, they surveyed 1,120 pregnant women across both public and private hospitals in Riyadh.
Their goal:
To understand three key aspects of oral health during pregnancy
Knowledge – Do pregnant women know how pregnancy affects their oral health?
Practices – Are they brushing, flossing, or seeking dental care appropriately?
Service Utilization – Do they visit a dentist during pregnancy?
What They Found: A Concerning Knowledge Gap
The results were clear—and troubling.
1. Knowledge Levels Were Very Low
59.7% of pregnant women had very poor oral health knowledge.
Only a small minority showed good understanding of oral hygiene needs in pregnancy.
Many participants didn’t know basic facts such as the impact of pregnancy hormones on gum health or the safety of receiving dental treatment during pregnancy.
2. Oral Hygiene Practices Were Also Poor
66.4% showed poor oral health practices.
Higher education and income strongly predicted better brushing habits and awareness.
3. Dental Visits Are Rare During Pregnancy
39.6% had never visited a dentist during pregnancy.
Only 15.1% had received oral health information from healthcare professionals.
Most relied on the internet or peers for information—not dentists or gynecologists.
Interestingly, retired or employed women were more likely to seek dental services compared to homemakers.
Why Aren’t Pregnant Women Going to the Dentist?
The study suggests several possible barriers:
Misconceptions about the safety of dental treatment during pregnancy
Lack of information from gynecologists or primary healthcare providers
Cultural norms discouraging dental visits unless there’s an emergency
Limited insurance coverage
Low awareness of oral health risks
In fact, dental emergencies—such as pain or abscess—were the most common reason for visiting the dentist during pregnancy.
A Strong Link: Knowledge, Habits, and Dental Visits
The researchers found a positive correlation among:
Better knowledge
Better oral hygiene practices
Higher likelihood of visiting the dentist
This means that improving one area (such as knowledge) can directly improve the others.
What This Means for Public Health
The findings highlight an urgent need for:
1. Integrating Oral Health Into Prenatal Care
Gynecologists, nurses, and midwives can play a major role by providing basic oral health guidance during routine prenatal visits.
2. Accessible and Affordable Dental Services
Ensuring that dental care is covered, accessible, and pregnancy-friendly could encourage more women to seek preventive care.
3. Targeted Education Programs
Women with lower income or education are disproportionately affected. Tailored interventions will be important to close the gap.
4. Community-Based Outreach
Peer education, community workshops, and digital awareness campaigns could help spread accurate information.
Conclusion
This large-scale study sheds light on a critical but often overlooked issue: oral health during pregnancy. Most pregnant women in Riyadh have limited knowledge, poor oral hygiene practices, and rarely seek dental care—despite increased vulnerability to oral health problems.
Improving education, integrating dental care into prenatal services, and addressing access barriers could significantly enhance health outcomes not only for mothers—but also for their babies.
Reference
Hebbal M, AlSagob EI, Kotha SL, Santhosh VN, Kumar RS, Mertins S, et al. (2025). Oral health-related knowledge, practice, and utilization of dental services among pregnant women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. PLOS ONE, 20(4): e0319508. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319508