DENTAL CARIES IN PREGNANT WOMEN WHO VISITED POSYANDU OF SEVERAL PUBLIC HEALTH CENTERS IN JEMBER

Abstract

Pregnancy is a unique period for a woman’s life,
which there is physical and physiological changes
including the oral cavity [1], [2].
The main salivary changes in pregnancy are saliva
rate change, composition, pH, and hormone levels
[3]. During pregnancy, pH of saliva and gingival fluid
become more acidic [4]. Increased acid production in
the oral cavity when accompanied by a lack
awareness of pregnant women in maintaining the
cleanliness of the oral cavity will expedite the
emergence of caries. Based on data of Riskesdas
Ministry of Health in 2013, the prevalence of caries
in Indonesia was 53.2%, therefore the maintenance
of the teeth of pregnant women should be taken
into account and improved [5].
Caries etiologies are multi factorial. They are hosts,
saliva, microorganisms and time [6]. Based on the
background above, author wanted to know dental
caries in pregnant women who visit Posyandu of
several public health centers in Jember.