Gingival Health Status among Pregnant Women Attending Maternity Hospital in Erbil City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: The notable changes in circulating hormones during pregnancy are known to detrimentally affect the oral cavity detrimentally, leading to the manifestation of conditions like gingival overgrowth and inflammatory periodontal disease. This investigation specifically evaluated the state of gingival health among expectant mothers receiving care at the Erbil City Maternity Hospital and analyzed their reported dental care routines. Methods: The cross-sectional data collection took place over three months, from November 2024 through January 2025, enrolling 90 pregnant women across all trimesters. Data collection included clinical oral examinations and a structured questionnaire addressing oral hygiene habits, supplement intake, and gingival health. The Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), and Gingival Overgrowth (GOG) were utilized to evaluate oral health. Statistical analyses comprised one-way ANOVA and descriptive statistics. Results: Plaque accumulation remained stable across trimesters (PI: p=0.934), whereas gingival inflammation increased significantly as pregnancy advanced (GI: p=0.040). Bleeding on probing (BOP) was present in over half of participants, with higher prevalence in the second and third trimesters (BOP: p=0.144). Gingival overgrowth (GOG) increased gradually, though not to a statistically significant degree (GOG: p=0.129). Oral hygiene practices were generally inadequate: 86.6% reported daily brushing, but only 31.1% used dental floss, and 40% used a tongue scraper. Supplement use was prevalent, with 75.5% of women regularly taking folic acid and vitamins. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of gingival inflammation and periodontal diseases among pregnant women, with severity escalating as pregnancy progresses. Enhanced oral hygiene practices and increased awareness of oral care during pregnancy are necessary to prevent oral health complications. Regular dental checkups should be promoted to support the health of both mother and fetus. Keywords: Pregnancy, Gingival Inflammation, Gingival Overgrowth, Plaque Index, Bleeding on Probing, Dental Hygiene Practices