Table 2 Percentage of correct responses to perinatal oral health knowledge items (N = 393) of ANC providers in NSW

Pregnancy exacerbates existing dental problems: (True)

Gingivitis is more serious than Periodontitis: (False)

Calcium will be drawn out of mothers’ teeth by developing baby: (False)

Gingivitis is a potentially reversible infection of the gums: (True)

Poor maternal oral health can contribute to early childhood decay: (True)

Periodontal disease has been associated with the following:

 • Stillbirth: (True)

 • Preterm delivery: (True)

 • Spontaneous abortion/miscarriage: (True)

 • Preeclampsia: (True)

 • Low birth weight: (True)

Women should receive preventive dental care during pregnancy: (True)

Basic dental treatment is safe during pregnancy: (True)

It is unsafe to obtain dental radiographs in pregnant women: (False)

Pregnant women should receive only emergency dental care: (False)

Elective dental treatment should be delayed until after pregnancy: (True)

These dental procedures are safe during pregnancy:

 • Extractions: (True)

 • Local anaesthetic: (True)

 • Root canal: (True)

 • Scaling and root planning: (True)

These medications are safe during pregnancy:

 • Paracetamol: (True)

 • Aspirin: (False)

 • NSAIDs: (False)

 • Amoxicillin: (True)

 • Erythromycin: (True)

 • Doxycycline: (False)