EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF PREGNANCY ON STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS, PH AND BUFFERING CAPACITY OF SALIVA

Pregnancy duration is crucial regarding dental problems. So the aim of this
study was to determine the association between pregnancy period and PH, S. Mutans, and buffering
capacity of saliva.
Materials & Methods: This cross sectional study was done among 120 women who referred to the
Gynecology hospital in Baku with an average of 24.1± 2.91 years. 30 non pregnant women were
selected as controls and 90 pregnant women as the study group. S. Mutans culture test was
accomplished in both groups. PH and buffering capacity of saliva was measured using a PH meter and
titration method. Two groups were compared using statistical analysis of variance ANOVA.
Results: There was no significant difference in the mean age of study and control group (P<0.05).
There was significant difference between study and control groups regarding colony numbers of S.
mutans in the saliva (P<0.001). The difference of mean saliva PH was significant between the control
group and pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy (P<0.001). The
buffering capacity of saliva in second and third trimester of pregnancy was significantly lower than the
control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: According to this study, the decrease in PH and buffering capacity of saliva and increase
in S. mutans in the saliva during pregnancy can contribute to increased risk for dental caries. So the
assessment of oral health during pregnancy should not be ignored