Perfil do atendimento, conhecimento e atitudes acerca do pré-natal odontológico em Lagarto-SE

Abstract

Introduction: Assistance to pregnant women in antenatal visit, in general, has not included oral health guidance, making it impossible to include those women in a full comprehensive health promotion proposal. The knowledge and attitudes of the pregnant woman are usually based on guidelines managed by the doctor or nurse, which can limit the beneficial functions of oral health for her, her child and her family. Objective: To evaluate the perception of health professionals and users of two public health service in Lagarto - SE, Brazil, regarding the need for dental treatment during pregnancy. In addition, pregnant women 's adherence to dental treatment at the public health service was investigated. Methodology: This cross-sectional study, carried out in “Doutor Davi Marcos de Lima” and “José Antônio Maroto” public health services, both in urban areas, involved 49 pregnant women and 10 health professionals who answered a customized questionnaire for the study, comprising questions concerning their knowledge and attitudes regarding prenatal dental care. Results: Women included in antenatal visits were rarely referred to the dentist (32.7%), and only 30.6% said they had dental appointments during pregnancy. Important information for the oral health of pregnant women and the babies was few explored, once few women said they received guidance about: oral changes during pregnancy (36.7%), oral hygiene to prevent diseases transmission to the baby (40.8%), advantages of breastfeeding (38.8%), damages form use bottle and pacifier (42.9%), oral hygiene of the child in the early stages of life (32.7%), guidance on feeding (59.2%) and proper use of fluoride (8.2%). Of the five medical professionals interviewed, all report that they do not always refer pregnant women to a dental appointment. All five Dentists reported being able to provide dental care to pregnant women, and the second trimester was identified as the best time to intervene. Conclusion: There is a need for greater interdisciplinarity of dental professionals with other health professionals who follow-up the pregnant woman, especially the medical and nursing staff, in order to promote health in a n integral way.