A comparative evaluation of salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, calcium and total protein levels in pregnant and non pregnant women

Abstract

Background: Hormonal changes in females may affect physiology of the entire body including the oral cavity. The present study aimed to evaluate salivary flow rate, ph, buffering capacity, calcium and total protein levels in pregnant and non pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed and thirty pregnant and 30 non pregnant women women aged between 19-34 years in the third trimester were included in the study. The salivary samples were collected between 9- 11.30 a.m in both the study and control group. The salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity was measured using “Saliva-check buffer kit. Results: Salivary flow rate, pH has decreased in pregnancy than non pregnant women. DMFT index showed a strong correlation with pH in pregnant women (P = 0.002) and nonpregnant women (P = 0.01). Calcium and protein level decreases in pregnant women in comparison to non pregnant women but difference was statistically non significant. Conclusion: Even though the salivary parameters were observed in normal range but there were definitive alterations.