Evaluating the Effect of Text Message Interventions in Maintaining Gingival Health in Pregnant Women: a Pragmatic Trial

Gingivitis is a common condition, affecting more than 60% of pregnant women due to hormonal changes and inadequate plaque control. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious periodontal diseases and systemic inflammation, posing risks to overall health and reducing quality of life. Therefore, the study aims to assess the effectiveness of text messages in maintaining gingival health in pregnant women. The primary objective is to determine whether these reminders, which focus on proper brushing and flossing techniques, can reduce gingivitis and improve overall oral hygiene during pregnancy.

This research follows a two-group, parallel-arm, single-blind randomized control trial (RCT) design. The trial will be conducted at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. Eligible participants are adult pregnant women showing signs of gingivitis, excluding those with bleeding disorders or moderate to severe pre-existing periodontal disease. Participants are randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group using computer-generated randomization.

Both groups will undergo oral health assessments at baseline, using the Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and Bleeding on Probing (BOP) measures to gauge plaque buildup and gingival inflammation. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 4-6 weeks and 12-16 weeks. The intervention group will receive a weekly text message reminding them to practice proper oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing. Both groups will also receive in-person demonstrations of oral hygiene techniques to ensure standardized knowledge on effective oral care.