Assessment of the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) in Pregnant Women Referring to the Health Centers in Arak, Iran

Objectives: The periodontal disease during pregnancy is considered to be significant because not only does it affect the tissues supporting the teeth, but also it is connected with systemic conditions such as adverse pregnancy outcomes. The present study aimed at assessing periodontal disease in pregnant women and other relevant demographic factors. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study that was conducted among 275 pregnant women visiting the health centers in Arak, Iran, in 2021. Cluster random sampling method was used to select the samples. The demographic information was gathered and periodontal statues was examined using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). The data were analyzed by SPSS18 software, using logistic regression. Results: According to the results, 55.4% of the pregnant women had periodontal disease (CPI>0). Bleeding on probing (BOP), dental calculus, and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) between 4 and 5 mm were observed of 17.5%, 36.4%, 5.1% of women, respectively. No periodontal pocket deeper than 6mm was observed. Brushing frequency was the main predictor for gingival health, and the women with under diploma education (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.14-4.48) and having one or more children were (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02-1.94) more likely to have periodontal disease than women with academic education or having no children. Conclusion: According to the findings, pregnant women were not in good health condition in terms of periodontal disease. Considering the demographic and behavioral differences, designing the health promotion programs during pregnancy is recommended.