Relationship Between Knowledge and Attitude of Pregnant Women with Dental Caries at the Bendo Magetan Health Center

During pregnancy, increased secretion of the hormones esterogen and progresterone can lower the pH of the mouth, which in turn triggers bacteria that cause dental caries. Therefore, the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women regarding oral health are crucial aspects as a preventive effort for dental caries. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women with the incidence of dental caries at the Bendo Magetan Health Center. This research method uses quantitative research with correlative analytic research type with cross-sectional design involving 36 pregnant women who visited the dental clinic during July 2024. Data were collected through questionnaires measuring the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women regarding dental health, as well as clinical examination to detect the presence of caries. The results showed that the level of knowledge regarding dental caries was mostly in the moderate category (41.7%), most pregnant women showed a positive attitude regarding dental caries (58.3%), and the incidence of dental caries in the moderate category in pregnant women (41.7%). Statistical analysis using the Spearman test showed a significant relationship between the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women and the incidence of dental caries (p value <0.05). In conclusion, there is a relationship between knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women with the incidence of dental caries at the Bendo Magetan Health Center.