Oral Health Status and Salivary Elemental Composition in Pregnancy: A Quantitative ICP-MS Study

Objective: Pregnancy is associated with profound physiological and hormonal changes that significantly influence oral health, including both qualitative and quantitative alterations in the composition of oral fluids. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between salivary macro- and trace element levels and oral hygiene status during pregnancy. Material and Methods: A total of 100 participants were categorized into 4 groups: non-pregnant women with healthy periodontium, non-pregnant women with gingivitis, pregnant women with healthy periodontium, and pregnant women with gingivitis. Saliva samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine concentrations of Sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium, iron, zinc (Zn), copper, selenium (Se), cobalt, chromium, and manganese. Clinical periodontal parameters-plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD)-and the Decayed, Missed, Filled Teeth Index were also recorded. Results: PI, GI, BOP, CAL, and PD were significantly higher in pregnant women with gingivitis compared to other groups (p