Association Between DMFT Index, Dental Plaque, and Pre-eclampsia in Pregnant Women: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates the association between Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index, dental plaque (assessed via Plaque Index [PI]), and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A case-control study was conducted with 70 pregnant women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia (cases) and 70 without (controls), matched for demographic and obstetric variables. Data were collected using a checklist capturing demographic details, obstetric history, and oral health parameters (DMFT and PI). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

The case group exhibited a significantly higher mean DMFT index (11.70 ± 2.88 vs. 9.21 ± 2.24, p < 0.001) and PI (33.26 ± 9.21 vs. 28.30 ± 7.26, p < 0.001) compared to controls. Each one-unit increase in the DMFT index and PI was associated with 19% and 5% increased odds of pre-eclampsia, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dental caries and plaque are significantly associated with pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. Integrating oral health assessments into antenatal care is recommended to mitigate these risks and improve maternal and fetal outcomes.