title: The oral health status, practices and knowledge of pregnant women in south-western Sydney.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Current evidence highlights the importance of oral health during pregnancy. However, little is known about the oral health of pregnant women in Australia. The aim of this study was to report the oral health status, knowledge and practices of pregnant women in south-western Sydney.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey of 241 pregnant women attending a large hospital in south-western Sydney.
  
  
  RESULTS
  More than half (59.3%) reported dental problems during pregnancy, less than a third (30.5%) saw a dentist in the last six months, only 10% had received any information about perinatal oral health and many (>50%) were unaware of the potential impact of poor maternal oral health on pregnancy and infant outcomes. Analysis revealed a significant difference (<0.05) in the uptake of dental services among pregnant women who had higher household incomes, private health insurance, received information about perinatal oral health and knowledge about maternal oral health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The participants reported significant barriers to obtaining dental care including limited access to affordable dental services and lack of awareness about the importance of maternal oral health. The findings suggest the need for preventive strategies involving dentists and antenatal providers to improve maternal oral health in Australia.
authors: Centre for Applied Nursing Research, The University of Western Sydney, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research/South Western Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales, Australia. ajesh.george@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
authors: A
authors: A
authors: George
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Johnson
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Blinkhorn
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Ajwani
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Bhole
authors: A E
authors: AE
authors: Yeo
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Ellis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003729:Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009517:New South Wales; D009909:Oral Health; D011247:Pregnancy; D055815:Young Adult