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

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. 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). 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.