Oral Microflora In Different Trimesters Of Pregnancy- An Original Research

Abstract

Aim
The purpose of the study was to assess the amount of oral microbiota in various trimesters of pregnancy altering the oral hygiene status.
Methodology
A cross sectional study was conducted amongst 70 women in the age group of 18-35 years of age, where they were divided into 4 groups when compared to non-pregnant women, who were taken as a control and periodontal samples were taken from all the participants after proper oral hygiene examination and were subjected to counting of colonies. The CFU/ml was then subjected to descriptive statistical analysis.
Results The amount of CFU/ml was increased in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, followed by decreased level in 2nd trimester. Comparing patients with healthy periodontal diagnoses (control group), with those who clinically presented disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), it was shown that the mean amounts of total subgingival bacteria observed in latter categories were progressively larger.
Conclusion
Amount of bacteria was higher in case of pregnancy in the 1st trimester and 3rd trimester, which can have negative influence of the oral health of a woman and thus can affect the health of the developing fetus.