Knowledge, Awareness and Perception of Pregnancy Gingivitis Among Dental Professionals in Pakistan: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy gingivitis is a reversible inflammatory condition triggered by hormonal fluctuations and plaque, affecting up to 100% of pregnant women worldwide. If left untreated, it may progress to periodontitis and contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Despite its clinical relevance, maternal oral health is often overlooked in both education and practice, particularly in developing countries such as Pakistan. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of dental professionals in Pakistan regarding pregnancy gingivitis, with emphasis on aetiology, clinical features, systemic implications, and preventive strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional observational survey was conducted nationwide from March to July 2025 using a validated online questionnaire distributed to undergraduate clinical students, house officers, postgraduate trainees, and general dentists. A total of 250 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics in IBM SPSS (v27). Ethical approval was obtained from the PRIDE Center for Research and Learning Institute (PRIDE/ERB/2025/001). Results: General dentists represented the largest group (43.6%), with 50.6% reporting 1–5 years of experience. While 46.0% identified pregnancy gingivitis as multifactorial, 45.6% considered it primarily hormone driven. Only 45.6% recognized its association with adverse outcomes, and 60.4% reported that pregnant women are poorly informed. Preventive measures most frequently endorsed were regular dental checkups (67.2%), while key barriers included lack of patient interest (36.8%) and insufficient knowledge (26.0%). Conclusion: Substantial gaps exist in the professional knowledge and awareness of pregnancy gingivitis in Pakistan. Curriculum reform, interdisciplinary collaboration, and targeted awareness campaigns are urgently required to improve maternal oral health and reduce pregnancy-related complications.