BIOCHEMICAL MODIFICATIONS OF HUMAN WHOLE SALIVA INDUCED BY PREGNANCY

Objective To assess human unstimulated whole saliva components during pregnancy, to determine the relation, if any, between pregnancy and or al health, particularly total protein concentration, alpha-amylase act ivity, sialic acid content and calcium and phosphate concentrations we re evaluated. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants Forty-five he althy primigravid women; 15 nonpregnant women acted as controls. Resul ts 1. A higher total protein content at 10 and 21 weeks of gestation w ith respect to the controls and to pregnant women at 40 weeks; 2. a hi gher alpha-amylase activity at 10 and 21 weeks of gestation compared w ith the controls and to pregnant women at 40 weeks; 3. an increased si alic acid content at 21 and 40 weeks; 4. decreased calcium and phospho rus concentrations at 21 and 40 weeks of gestation. Conclusions Pregna ncy modifies saliva composition. This could play a pivotal role in the incidence of pregnancy-induced dental caries.