Salivary Changes in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women
Author Information
Author(s): Rockenbach Maria I, Marinho Sandra A, Veeck Elaine B, Lindemann Laura, Shinkai Rosemary S
Primary Institution: Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
Hypothesis
There are differences in salivary flow rate, pH, and biochemical composition of saliva between pregnant and non-pregnant women.
Conclusion
Pregnant women had lower pH and higher sIgA concentration than non-pregnant women, but no significant difference was found for salivary flow rates or concentrations of calcium and phosphate.
Supporting Evidence
- Pregnant women had lower salivary pH (6.7) than non-pregnant women (7.5).
- Pregnant women had higher sIgA levels (118.9 mg/L) compared to non-pregnant women (90.1 mg/L).
- No significant difference was found for salivary flow rates between the two groups.
- All values of salivary parameters were within the range of international references of normality.
Takeaway
This study looked at saliva from pregnant and non-pregnant women and found that pregnant women have different saliva characteristics, like lower pH and higher sIgA levels.
Methodology
Cross-sectional study comparing salivary variables in 22 pregnant and 22 non-pregnant women using saliva collection and biochemical assays.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to convenience sampling and self-reported data on oral hygiene habits.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design does not allow for causal inferences.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 18 to 38 years, 22 pregnant and 22 non-pregnant.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.026
Confidence Interval
[0.43–0.75]
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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