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4 rev port estomatol med dent cir maxilofac . 2026;67(1):2-10

gree), and were mainly employed (81,6%, n=31). Almost
Results
half (42.1%, n=16) reported needing to budget carefully
This preliminary analysis includes 38 participants recruit- over the past year, and less than half of the participants
ed from three regions of Portugal: Lisbon Metropolitan (44.7%, n=17) had dental care coverage through their
Area, Center, and North. Table 1 displays demographic and health insurance.
socioeconomic characteristics. Most assessments occurred Regarding oral health-related behaviors and beliefs
in the third trimester (39.5%, n=15), and just over half of (Figures 1 and 2), 86.8% did not change their brushing fre-
respondents (52.6%, n=20) already had at least one child. quency during pregnancy, and 36.8% were unsure whether
The participants lived mostly in urban areas (71.1% in cit- their toothpaste contained fluoride. Daily tongue cleaning
ies versus 28.9%, 11 participants, in towns or villages), (39.5%) and mouthwash use (18.4%) were uncommon. Al-
were highly educated (81.5% with a higher education de- though 52.6% attended at least one dental check-up annu-

Table 1. Demographic and socioeconomic characterization
n %
Moment of evaluation 1st trimester 12 31.6
2nd trimester 4 10.5
3rd trimester 15 39.5
Up to 2 months postpartum 7 18.5
Children No 18 47.4
Yes 20 52.6
Region of residence Lisbon Metropolitan Area 21 55.3
Center 2 5.3
North 15 39.5
Type of locality Village 4 10.5
City 27 71.1
Town 7 18.4
Education Lower secondary education (9th grade) 3 7.9
Upper secondary education (12th grade) 3 7.9
Bachelor’s degree 14 36.8
Master’s degree 17 44.7
Doctorate (PhD) 1 2.6
Work status Employed 31 81.6
Unemployed / job-seeking 3 7.9
Homemaker 1 2.6
Employed & unable to work 2 5.2
Other 1 2.6
Services used for maternal care Private services 1 2.6
Public services 13 34.2
Both services 24 63.2
Dental insurance includes dental care No 18 47.4
Don’t know 3 7.9
Yes 17 44.7

Figure 1. Oral health practices