Oral mucosa manifestations in 100 pregnant versus non-pregnant patients: an epidemiological observational study.

The effect of pregnancy on the oral mucosa is not clear. A study was designed to contrast the number and the type of oral mucosa lesions present in pregnant (study group) and non-pregnant women (control group). A total of 200 women, of whom 100 were pregnant and 100 non-pregnant controls with similar age distribution were chosen at random from obstetrics and dermatology departments, Fatih University Hospital. Oral mucosa lesions were documented in both groups. The data were presented as percentages and comparisons were made based on the chi-square test. The frequency of oral mucosa lesions was greater among the pregnant women than in control group (71.0% versus 29.0%). Cheek biting and oral candidiasis were seen more frequently in pregnant women than the control group. Pregnant women with cheek biting presented in 31 patients (31%) and in control 5 (5%) which was statistically significant, p < 0.001. Oral candidiasis presented in 15 (15%) pregnant versus 5 (5%) in control, which was also statistically significant, p = 0.018. Pregnant women with vomiting were more frequently seen with oral mucosa lesions than pregnant women without vomiting (35 (77.8%) versus 27 (49.1%)), which was statistically significant (p = 0. 003). We concluded that cheek biting and oral candidiasis were the oral mucosa lesions with the greatest prevelances during pregnancy. Pregnant women who visit dermatology clinics should be routinely examined for oral mucosa lesions.