# Myths about Oral Health and Associated Factors in Pregnant Women in a Public Hospital in Peru

## TL;DR

This study found that many pregnant women in Peru believe in common oral health myths, which are linked to factors like lower education and rural birthplaces.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific oral health myths and their socioeconomic and geographic predictors among pregnant women in Peru.

## Key findings

- Oral health myths were prevalent (33.6–77.6%) and numerous (10 per woman on average).
- Myths were associated with rural birth, lower education, and poor economic conditions.
- Common myths included beliefs about enamel weakening, risks from spicy food, and dental radiography.

## Abstract

To determine oral health myths and associated factors in pregnant women.

This was a cross-sectional analytical study carried out in an outpatient clinic of a public hospital in Lima, Peru, in a sample of 390 pregnant women (mean age = 30.02 ± 6.32 years) who answered a questionnaire of 61 items, comprising 39 oral health myths, 10 demographic/socioeconomic items, and 12 general health items. Multiple linear regression models were used with Jamovi v.17 at p < 0.05.

Oral health myths were prevalent (33.6‒77.6%) and numerous (10 [7‒13] per pregnant woman), with common gestational or maternal beliefs associated with the presence of weakening of enamel/increased risk of caries and gingivitis, infection, or calcium loss; gingival bleeding and dental caries; risks posed by spicy food, medication, radiography, or anesthesia; and intense toothbrushing. Positive predictors of oral health myths were birth in geographical districts outside Lima, previous sexually transmitted disease and pre-eclampsia. Negative predictors were having more children, a higher educational level, better employment status, minimum monthly income, and history of smoking (R
2
 = 13%; F = 2.37; p < 0.001).

Pregnant women had a high prevalence of beliefs in a large number of oral health myths associated with birth in the geographical districts outside the capital city, less maternal experience, poorer educational, occupational and economic conditions, and obstetric-gynecological medical history.