Table 2.
Descriptions of recommendations and explanations for periodontal health during pregnancy and in the internet material (by reading level) (n = 58)
| Reading level | Less than 8th grade N (row percent(%)) | 8th grade and above N (row percent (%)) |
|---|---|---|
| Actionable Recommendations to | ||
| Brushing 2×/day or after meals and snacks | ||
| No | 7 (36.84) | 12 (63.16) |
| Yes | 20 (51.28) | 19 (48.72) |
| Use a soft-bristled toothbrush | ||
| No | 13 (34.21) | 25 (65.79) |
| Yes | 14 (70.00) | 6 (30.00) |
| Floss daily | ||
| No | 9 (45.00) | 11 (55.00) |
| Yes | 18 (47.37) | 20 (52.63) |
| See a dentist during pregnancy | ||
| No | 2 (33.33) | 4 (66.67) |
| Consume healthful nutrition | ||
| No | 13 (44.83) | 16 (55.17) |
| Yes | 14 (48.28) | 15 (51.72) |
| Definitions and explanations | ||
| Pregnancy gingivitis | ||
| No | 16 (43.24) | 21 (56.76) |
| Yes | 11 (52.38) | 10 (47.62) |
| Pregnancy granuloma | ||
| No | 20 (42.55) | 27 (57.45) |
| Yes | 7 (63.64) | 4 (36.36) |
| Associations with periodontal disease | ||
| Preterm birth | ||
| No | 17 (65.38) | 9 (34.62) |
| Yes | 10 (31.25) | 22 (68.75) |
| Hormone change | ||
| No | 11 (37.93) | 18 (62.07) |
| Yes | 16 (55.17) | 13 (44.83) |
| Proposed role of progesterone | ||
| No | 23 (52.27) | 21 (47.73) |
| Yes | 4 (28.57) | 10 (17.24) |
| More than 4 of the above topics | ||
| No | 11 (37.93) | 18 (62.07) |
| Yes | 16 (55.17) | 13 (44.83) |