Objectives: The attitude of the expectant mother toward diet and oral hygiene is of crucial significance for maintaining a healthy dentition in the mother and the child. The dentist should create the conditions for an optimal oral hygiene by providing treatment and information to the patient. Methods: To assess the oral hygiene habits of pregnant women and their knowledge of prophylactic measures, a questionnaire was distributed among 551 pregnant patients (age: 29±4.5 years; third trimester). In addition, 701 general dental practitioners were asked by means of a questionnaire about the treatments they perform on pregnant patients. Results: 36% of the women reported problems with their teeth, 63% had problems with their gums, 30% had no oral problems. 28.6% of the women didn't seek treatment despite dental problems. Although a total of 62.5% of the women had seen a dentist during pregnancy, 58% felt that they hadn't been sufficiently informed about prophylactic means. Those who considered themselves well-informed, reported significantly fewer dental or oral problem. 89.5% of the dentists diagnosed gingival redness and swelling in their pregnant patients, but 17% wouldn't remove dental calculus, 12% didn't consider professional tooth cleaning (PTC) during pregnancy as important, and 54% didn't recommend rinsing with chlorhexidine. 53.7% performed treatments in case of pain, 40% administered oral hygiene measures and PTC, 32% placed fillings, and about 10% performed all necessary treatments. 14.1% didn't perform any treatments in pregnant patients. Only 61.3% of the dentist considered themselves to be fully prepared to treat pregnant patients. 42.9% of the dentist offered a specific oral hygiene program for pregnant patients. Conclusion: The results presented here show an increased need for information for pregnant patients regarding oral hygiene and treatment means. Among the dentists there is further requirement for information about certain necessary treatment needs in pregnant patients.

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