Factores asociados a la enfermedad periodontal en mujeres embarazadas del Cantón Vela, Tungurahua, Ecuador

Introduction: Oral health during pregnancy is essential to prevent maternal and perinatal complications such as low birth weight and premature birth. Periodontal disease, influenced by hormonal factors and inadequate habits, affects a significant proportion of pregnant women, which underlines the need for contextualized research.Objective: To determine the factors associated with the appearance of periodontal disease in pregnant women from Canton Vela, Tungurahua, Ecuador. Material and Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in 62 pregnant women in the second and third trimesters, selected by intentional sampling in a type II health center. Sociodemographic, dietary and oral hygiene habits data were collected. Statistical tests (Chi square and Fisher's exact test) were applied with a significance level of 95% (p < 0.05). Results: The results show that 77.4% of the participants had periodontal disease. Pregnant women with a higher consumption of sugary drinks (≥3 times/week; OR=8.45; p<0.05) and a lower frequency of brushing (2-3 times/day; OR=3.75; p<0.05) had a higher risk of periodontal disease. Living in rural areas was also a relevant factor (OR=2.34; p<0.05). On the other hand, educational level, monthly income and use of dental floss did not show significant associations. Conclusions: Periodontal disease is highly prevalent in pregnant women and is associated with inadequate oral hygiene habits and sugar consumption. It is crucial to implement education and prevention programs to reduce these risk factors, especially in rural areas.