The relationship between pregnancy and the prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries among pregnant women in Indonesia: A review article

Pregnancy is a physiologically complex state marked by significant hormonal and physiological changes, which heighten vulnerability to oral diseases, particularly dental caries and periodontal disease. These conditions represent critical oral health challenges among pregnant women in Indonesia. This review seeks to investigate the association between pregnancy and the prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries in Indonesian pregnant women, emphasizing underlying risk factors, outcomes, and opportunities for intervention. A review article was conducted using reputable databases, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2019 and 2024 were included, supplemented by manual searches of cited references to ensure comprehensive coverage. The analysis identified a high prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries among Indonesian pregnant women, driven by hormonal fluctuations, behavioral modifications, inadequate oral hygiene practices, and limited access to dental care. Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy exacerbate gingival inflammation and tooth demineralization. Behavioral factors, including infrequent dental visits, increased vomiting, cravings for sugary foods, and suboptimal oral hygiene, further compound these conditions. Sociodemographic determinants such as education level and socioeconomic status significantly influence oral health outcomes. The high prevalence of oral diseases in Indonesian pregnant women stems from hormonal changes and factors like low education, smoking, vomiting, and inadequate dental care.