Abstract
Background: pregnancy as a systemic condition causes changes in the functioning of human body as a whole and specifically in the oral cavity and it also is considered as a stressful condition. These changes may favor the increase of oxidative stress. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the level of marker of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and antioxidant (uric acid) in saliva of pregnant compared to non-pregnant women and to assess the gingival health condition in both groups. Additionally, unstimulated salivary flow rate was determined in both groups. Subjects, materials and methods: The study group consisted of sixty pregnant women, they were divided into three equal groups according to trimester (20 pregnant women for each trimester), and they were selected randomly from the Maternal and Child Health Care Centers in Baghdad city, their age range was 20-25 years. In addition to 60 newly married non-pregnant women as a control group and matched with age. Collection of unstimulated salivary samples was carried out under standardized conditions. Dental plaque and gingival indices were used for recording the oral hygiene and gingival health respectively. Salivary flow rate was measured then salivary samples were analyzed to determine the level of salivary antioxidant (uric acid) and lipid peroxidation biomarker of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde). Result: The data analysis of the present study found that the level of salivary malondialdehyde was higher among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls with statistically significant difference (p<0.05), while salivary uric acid was statistically significantly lower among the pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls (p<0.05). Salivary analysis demonstrated that the salivary flow rate was statistically significantly lower among the pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls (p<0.05). The values of plaque and gingival indices were higher among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls with statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The correlation of gingival index with plaque index in study and control group was significant (p<0.05), while with others variables were non-significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The current study showed an increase in oxidative status in saliva during pregnancy that could affect gingival health which was also affected by oral hygiene.
Highlights
Periodontal diseases are generalized term for a range of pathological conditions affecting the supporting and investing structures of the tooth including bone, gingival tissue and periodontal ligament [1]
Result: The data analysis of the present study found that the level of salivary malondialdehyde was higher among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls with statistically significant difference (p
The current study showed an increase in oxidative status in saliva during pregnancy that could affect gingival health which was affected by oral hygiene
Summary
Periodontal diseases are generalized term for a range of pathological conditions affecting the supporting and investing structures of the tooth including bone, gingival tissue and periodontal ligament [1]. Periodontal diseases have been divided into two major categories; gingivitis and periodontitis [2]. It may progress to periodontitis, which is gum disease that spread below the gum line and affects the tissue and bones that support the teeth [4]. The main etiological factor of gingivitis is dental plaque [5] which is defined as nonmineralized, sticky soft bacterial mass or deposits which is tightly adherence to the tooth surface and other solid in the mouth and resists removal by salivary flow or by water spray [6]. The specific role of antioxidant is to neutralize rampaging free radical and reducing its capacity to damage [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
