Análise comparativa das percepções em saúde bucal de adolescentes grávidas e não grávidas: um ponto de partida para a promoção em saúde bucal

Abstract

This study examined the oral health of a group of pregnant and non-pregnant adolescents, with same social and economic characteristics and of the same age group. The study also evaluated the adolescents need for oral treatment to the extent of cavities and periodontal illness. Such evaluation verified whether a difference could be noticed between the oral healths of the two groups. Through the adolescents perceptions, this study attempted to measure the impact of the pregnancy to their behavior and to their oral health. The data was collected from individual interviews with 60 adolescents (30 pregnant and 30 that had never been pregnant), of ages between 12 and 18 years old. All the adolescents lived in the Sao Jose village, a suburb of Belo Horizonte, MG. The research was based on the qualitative studies principle, with statistics handling of some data on the oral health conditions, obtained through clinical examination. The statistical data was used to complement the information collected. It was verified that there is no difference in the behaviors and beliefs regarding oral health between the two groups. Even though the adolescents seemed concerned about their oral esthetics, dentistry was not a priority. The dentist was remembered only in emergency occasions. The pregnancy was not seen responsible for changes in the oral health, or as a nuisance at the dentist visits. However, high ratio of the adolescents did not visit their dentist in last the 12 months. No statistical differences were noted in the DMFT index between the groups of the pregnant adolescents (5.9) and non-pregnant (5.4), a high value in both groups. The increase on the number of cavities was the change most mentioned, even though the adolescents did not perceive it as illness. As for periodontal needs, simple procedures were needed to address gum bleeding, which was the most common issue verified: 90% of the adolescents. Calculus was observed in 50% of the adolescents, which pocket depht 3.5 - 5.5 mm in 20% and pocket depht >5.5 mm in one individual (1.66%). No statistical differences were noted in regards to this alteration between the two groups. In summary, 90% of the participants needed to learn about oral hygiene and prophylaxis, 50% needed scraping, 20% required curetage under the gum and only 1.66% was submitted to surgery.