Tooth Loss and its Association with the Number of Children and Interpregnancy Interval: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Yemeni Women

Abstract

Introduction: Physiological pregnancy changes can negatively impact the oral health of pregnant women. Objectives: The present study sought to assess tooth loss among a sample of Yemeni women in association with the number of children and interpregnancy interval. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 644 Yemeni women. The subjects were interviewed to collect relevant socio-demographic factors, including age, education, and number of children. Oral hygiene practices as well as oral habits (such as qat chewing and smoking) were also recorded. Number of missing teeth was ascertained through clinical examination. Results: Around 644 women aged between 16 and 51 years participated in the study. Overall, the participants revealed poor oral hygiene practices, with only one-fifth of the sample reported brushing their teeth regularly (i.e., at least once a day), and around 36.8% reported using dental aids occasionally. Some 52% and 21% of the sample were qat chewers and smokers, respectively. The mean number of tooth loss and the number of children were 4.7 and 4.15, respectively; approximately 54% of the participating women had more than 3 children. The logistic regression revealed a significant association between the number of children and tooth loss. Conclusion: Yemeni women showed unsatisfactory oral hygiene practices and a high prevalence of tooth loss which increased proportionally with the number of children and interpregnancy interval. This emphasizes the importance of effective oral hygiene motivation and health education among females during pregnancy periods.