Oral health care for pregnant women: oral hygienists' knowledge and practical skills

Abstract

Oral hygienists must possess adequate knowledge about the oral care of pregnant women. They should provide comprehensive information on individual oral hygiene and perform professional procedures for these patients. The aim: This study focuses on the knowledge of oral hygienists regarding the oral health of pregnant women, aiming to analyse their understanding and practices. The goals include analysing the need for information on aspects of pregnant women's oral care among oral hygienists and evaluating the recommendations given by oral hygienists to maintain oral health.

Preventing all oral diseases during pregnancy is a key part of professional and individual oral hygiene. The results can be used to plan professional development programmes for oral hygienists and to improve oral hygienists' knowledge of working with pregnant women and maintaining their oral health.

The research utilized a qualitative semi-structured interview method, conducted in April 2023 with five oral hygienists who have worked in a dental clinic for over a year. Using an interview research method, it is possible to get a more open and broader view of participants' answers, attitudes and opinions on the research problem. The research was carried out following an interview plan. Data were collected through open interviews, recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. This article focuses on two topics: the information needs of oral hygienists on prenatal oral care and practical recommendations. General findings are: oral hygienists recommend oral care products based on the oral health of pregnant women, give practical demonstrations of brushing techniques and teach patients how to take good care of their teeth, and pay attention to prenatal nutrition.