Impact of Oral Pain on Oral Health and Daily Performance in Pregnancy: A Cross-sectional Study

Authors

  • Adetayo Aborisade Bayero University, Kano
  • Olasunkanmi F. KUYE Lagos State University College of Medicine Ikeja, Lagos
  • Taiwo O. KUYE Lagos State University College of Medicine Ikeja, Lagos
  • Adewale F. ADEJOBI Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife Osun State
  • Azuka R. NJOKANMA Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife Osun State
  • Amina MOHAMMED Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61172/vhn53r15

Keywords:

Pregnancy, Oral pain, Primigravida, Multigravida

Abstract

Background: Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Pregnancy-related oral pain can affect emotional well-being, oral health-related quality of life, and general health. If left untreated, poor oral health may lead to premature delivery, pre-eclampsia, epulis gravidarum, tooth mobility, and other complications.

Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of oral pain, evaluated oral impacts on daily performance (OIDP), and examined associations between oral health, service utilization, and parity status during pregnancy.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used, incorporating data on sociodemographic characteristics, pain symptomatology, oral impact on daily performance (OIDP), and clinical examination. Sociodemographic and pain variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, proportions, summary statistics). Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: The median age was 30 years; most respondents (71%, n=149) had post-secondary education and were primigravida. Oral pain during pregnancy was reported by 29% (n=61) of respondents, predominantly mild and most commonly affecting the gingiva (16%, n=33). Pain, site of pain, and OIDP were significantly associated with parity (p=0.04, 0.010, 0.037, respectively), and OIDP was also related to trimester (p=0.04). Dental service utilization was 24% (n=50), with 17% (n=36) satisfied; satisfaction was higher among multigravida compared to primigravida (p=0.01). More women in the third trimester reported OIDP, while none in the first trimester did so (p=0.04).

Conclusion: Mild oral pain is a frequent experience during pregnancy, most often gingival in origin, and is associated with parity and trimester. These findings emphasize the need for routine oral health assessment during antenatal care, with timely management to reduce oral impacts on daily functioning.

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Author Biographies

  • Olasunkanmi F. KUYE, Lagos State University College of Medicine Ikeja, Lagos

    Consultant / Senior Lecturer

    Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery,

     

  • Taiwo O. KUYE, Lagos State University College of Medicine Ikeja, Lagos

    Consultant / Senior Lecturer

    Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

     

     

  • Adewale F. ADEJOBI, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife Osun State

    Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

    Consultant/ Senior Lecturer

     

  • Azuka R. NJOKANMA, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife Osun State

    Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

    Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon

     

  • Amina MOHAMMED, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.

    Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

    Senior Registrar, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

     

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Published

03-10-2025

How to Cite

Impact of Oral Pain on Oral Health and Daily Performance in Pregnancy: A Cross-sectional Study. (2025). Nigerian Dental Journal, 33(3). https://doi.org/10.61172/vhn53r15

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