PREGNANT WOMEN'S LEVEL OF SANITARY AND HYGIENIC KNOWLEDGE ON THE DENTAL DISEASES PREVENTION
Authors: Romaniuk D.H. 
Published: December 2022

Early childhood caries results from many factors, including behavioral, nutritional, and social. The state of the mother's oral health, her knowledge on the prevention of dental diseases and attitude to oral hygiene in general significantly impact the child's oral health status in the future.Objective of the study. This study aims to identify the level of pregnant women's sanitary and hygienic knowledge on the preventionof dental diseases by assessing the results of the questionnaire.Materials and methods. To study the level of knowledge and skills of expectant mothers in the prevention of dental diseases, we conducted a questionnaire survey of pregnant women using a Google-form. The total number of respondents was 101. The survey was conducted via social networks. Methods of descriptive statistics were used. All bioethical norms concerning clinical research inaccordance with the provisions of GCP (1996), Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine (04.04.1997), WMA Helsinki Declaration on Ethical Principles of Scientific Medical Research Involving Human Subjects (1964-2013), Order of Ministry of Health № 690 dated September 23, 2009, were observed during the study.Results and discussion. Survey data showed a significant need for dental treatment among pregnant women, which they were aware of (55.4%). However, this need is mainly realized by necessity (52.5%) and not by regular preventive check-ups. Only 33.7% ofrespondents have regular annual dental check-ups, which is a sign of responsible attitude towards one’s own health, but the frequency of check-ups is insufficient. 10.9% of female respondents have an adequate level of preventive dental care. Oral hygiene level among pregnant women with regard to the basic manipulation of tooth brushing is as follows: 65.35% of respondents do it twice a day, 25.74%brush their teeth once a day and the rest do it irregularly. In addition to toothbrush and toothpaste, pregnant women also use floss (70.30%), mouthwash (73.27%) and other items and products (20.79%).The questions related to knowledge and skills of pregnant women regarding the prevention of dental diseases in children showedthat the majority of expectant mothers are unaware of the basic rules of child oral care. When asked "Who/What motivates you to choose oral hygiene items and products?" only 18.81% of respondents said that they follow the advice of their dentist. The majority (64.37%) chooses products using TV and social media ads, and 15.84% of respondents said their choice was influenced by promotional offers.Premature use of the above products disrupts the normal process of  naturation of the enamel of primary teeth, resulting in its rapid destruction under the influence of cariogenic factors.Conclusions. The results of the questionnaire of pregnant women showed that the level of their sanitary and hygienic knowledge is insufficient for the formation of proper hygiene skills among them and their children, as well as for the implementation of preventive measures for major dental diseases. In particular, it has been revealed that a significant percentage of children born and living in Chernivtsi are exposed to such cariogenic factors as inappropriate feeding regime and excessive consumption of carbohydrates in theform of drinks and food, inadequate oral care and delayed qualified dental care.