EVALUATING SALIVARY Streptococcus mutans COUNT IN PREGNANCY AND THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD

Introduction: It has been well established that pregnancy is associated with the development of some oral lesions and worsening of existing ones with adverse effects on pregnancy and pregnancy outcome. The heightened risk for dental conditions among pregnant women is related to the intraoral changes during pregnancy as well as delays in the treatment for their oral diseases.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the salivary S. mutans count in pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Methods: The 50 pregnant women were examined for salivary streptococcus mutans counts throughout the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy as well as in the weeks after delivery.The associated salivary parameters evaluated were salivary flow rate, salivary pH, total salivary calcium content and DMFT.

Conclusion: This research lends credence to the idea that dental caries risk and pregnancy progress are related. The results suggest that, in order to stop the development of caries in pregnant women, actions must be taken to enhance their dental health.