Awareness of Oral Health among Pregnant Women: A Cross‑Sectional Study in Gharyan, Libya

Alhaam Almabrouk; Najat Alaswad; Eman Shibani; Abdulhakim Hasan; Adil Essllami; Asaad Elbalog

doi:10.54361/ajmas.269423

Authors

Alhaam Almabrouk Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Gharyan University, Gharyan, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3359-172X
Najat Alaswad Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Tripoli University, Tripoli, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7115-075X
Eman Shibani Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Gharyan University, Gharyan, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2911-0369
Abdulhakim Hasan Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Gharyan University, Gharyan, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1299-771X
Adil Essllami Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Tripoli University, Tripoli, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6587-5586
Asaad Elbalog Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Tripoli University, Tripoli, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7818-4415

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54361/ajmas.269423

Keywords:

Oral Health, Pregnant Women, Awareness, Gharyan

Abstract

Pregnancy is accompanied by hormonal and physiological changes that can negatively affect oral health, increasing susceptibility to dental caries and periodontal disease. This study aimed to assess awareness levels and oral health practices among pregnant women attending a primary health care center in Gharyan, Libya. A cross‑sectional survey was conducted between June and October 2025, involving 101 pregnant women. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, and awareness of oral health during pregnancy. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, and an awareness score was developed to classify participants into different levels of awareness. The findings revealed that although most participants practiced basic oral hygiene, such as tooth brushing, the use of supplementary aids like dental floss was limited. Approximately 66% reported visiting a dentist during pregnancy, primarily due to symptoms such as gum bleeding and toothache rather than preventive care. Only 41% recognized the impact of oral health on pregnancy outcomes, while a considerable proportion were either unaware or uncertain. Overall, 62% demonstrated low or no awareness, whereas only 11% showed high awareness. In conclusion, the study identified inadequate levels of oral health awareness among pregnant women despite the presence of basic hygiene practices. These results underscore the need for targeted educational programs and the integration of oral health promotion into prenatal care services to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.