Saúde bucal de mulheres grávidas na atenção primária a saúde

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a period characterized by multiple transformations in a woman's body, necessitating comprehensive healthcare, including dental health. Thus, prenatal dental care was established to encourage pregnant women to participate in regular dental appointments throughout the prenatal period. The aim of the study was to analyze pregnant women's understanding of the importance of oral health, identify the socio-economic and demographic profile of pregnant women receiving prenatal care, and assess pregnant women's knowledge of oral health. Methods: A descriptive study with a quantitative approach, collecting data through a structured questionnaire encompassing socioeconomic, demographic, and oral healthcare-related questions. Participants included 50 pregnant women undergoing prenatal care at Family Health Strategy (FHS) units I and II of a Basic Health Unit in the East Zone of Santarém-PA. Data collections took place from October to November 2023, with pregnant women at any gestational stage, through individual questionnaire administration. Results: Regarding sociodemographic factors, 60% were aged between 18 and 27 years, 82% self-identified as mixed-race, 74% were not attending school, 53% were beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família social welfare program, 56% had a monthly income equivalent to one minimum wage, 70% were not engaged in remunerated activities, 94% resided in urban areas, and 56% had access to piped water. Regarding health-related issues, 86% utilized the Unified Health System (SUS), 68% were multiparous, 44% were in the second trimester of pregnancy, 73% reported some oral problem, 50% indicated the presence of sores on the gums, tongue, or palate, and 26% reported not receiving treatment from a healthcare professional. Regarding knowledge, 60% were unaware of the existence of prenatal dental care, 50% deemed prenatal dental care unimportant, and 42% practiced dental brushing and flossing. Conclusion: The results revealed weaknesses in preventive practices and health promotion, reflected in the number of pregnant women not undergoing dental check-ups and reporting a lack of oral health guidance, potentially due to inadequate guidance and referral by FHS teams to initiate prenatal dental care. Therefore, oral health education could be a crucial strategy for providing guidance on the necessity of prenatal dental care, addressing information scarcity, and dispelling myths regarding the safety of dental procedures during pregnancy.