Assessment and Comparison of Tribal and Nontribal Pregnant Women’s Oral Health Status and Dental Attendance in Salem District, Tamil Nadu – A Comparative Study

Abstract Aim: Oral health can be significantly impacted by the various physiological and physical changes that occur during pregnancy. Some beliefs and myths believed by tribal people make a negative impact on oral health especially during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to assess and compare oral health status and dental attendance among tribal and nontribal pregnant women in Salem district. Setting and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 pregnant women in each group in Salem district, Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: Clinical examinations evaluated decayed-missing-filling-teeth (DMFT), oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S), community periodontal index and loss of attachment (CPI and LOA) indices, while a validated, prestructured questionnaire was used to collect data about dental attendance and demographics. Chi-square test and bivariate logistic regression were used; with P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: It revealed that tribal pregnant women exhibited higher sugar intake, poor OHI-S, elevated CPI and LOA and DMFT scores and lower dental attendance, compared to nontribal pregnant women. Significance was observed in demographic and oral health variables between the two groups ( P < 0.05). Seventy-one percent tribal and 68% nontribal women had never visited a dentist, citing a lack of awareness on oral health. Conclusion: Dental attendance and oral health status were poorer in tribal mothers compared to nontribal counterparts, emphasizing the need for effective policies alongside ante-natal care in tribal areas.