The effects of pregnancy on oral health, salivary ph and flow rate.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Observational cross-sectional study comparing pregnant women by trimester to non-pregnant controls.
PubMed 39455976 · doi:10.1186/s12903-024-05057-0
What was done
In an observational cross-sectional study, 198 women (pregnant across different trimesters and non-pregnant controls) were assessed. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected for 5 minutes via the spitting method. Salivary pH was measured with a portable pH meter, and salivary flow rate was determined using the weight measurement method. Dental caries and periodontal status were evaluated using the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index and CPI (Community Periodontal Index) scores. Analyses were conducted using Robust and Poisson regression models.
What was found
Salivary pH progressively decreased from the first to the third trimester and was significantly lower than in non-pregnant controls (p < 0.001). The salivary flow rate in the third trimester was significantly lower than in the first trimester (p = 0.017). CPI scores were significantly higher in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls (p = 0.042). DMFT scores were similar across all groups. Specific numerical means, standard deviations, and effect estimates were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This study shows that pregnancy is associated with progressive salivary acidification, decreased late-pregnancy salivary flow, and worse periodontal health indices, highlighting the need for targeted oral health monitoring during pregnancy.
Limits
The study is cross-sectional rather than a prospective longitudinal cohort tracking individuals across trimesters. The abstract omits exact numerical values, effect sizes, and confidence intervals, and does not report adjustments for potential confounders such as oral hygiene routines, diet, or morning sickness.
Cited by
- partial Salivary pH in pregnant women, older women, and individuals with dry mouth drops to 5.5 or 6.