Abstract
Objective: To discuss dental care and the importance of oral health during pregnancy and puerperal period. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory and quantitative study carried out in a maternity hospital in the capital of Rio Grande do Norte. 72 women participated in this research - pregnant women and puerperal women - who were hospitalized in the maternity hospital during the period of data collection (April 2018 / May 2018). Results: The results showed that 75% of the interviewees did not receive oral health information during pregnancy and, of those who did, the main source of information was the dentist; 61% of pregnant women and puerperal women reported believing that pregnancy itself can cause some problem in the oral cavity. Among the most pointed oral problems are gingival bleeding, tooth sensitivity and weakened teeth. Conclusion: The thought that pregnant women cannot have dental care was the main myth identified. Thus, we emphasize the importance of a greater insertion of the oral health team in multi and interprofessional work, with activities to promote and protect health and prevent diseases in order to demystify dental care during pregnancy and improve this public's perception of their oral health.