title: [The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of saliva during and after pregnancy].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Identify the changes in some physiological and microbiological parameters in the saliva from a group of women during and after their pregnancies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Stimulated whole saliva was collected from a cohort of 35 women during their pregnancy and afterwards to determine each sample's physicochemical (secretion rate, pH and buffer capacity) and microbiological characteristics (acidogenic bacteria count).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pH and buffer capacity of saliva during pregnancy were lower than after pregnancy. There were no statistically significant changes regarding S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. count, but a tendency towards increased values during pregnancy was noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Changes occurring in the saliva of pregnant women can lead to an increase of risk of suffering disease affecting one's oral health, such as caries, gingivitis and periodontal disease; this could be prevented by appropriate diagnosis and dental follow-up, including education regarding pregnant women's oral health.
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
authors.forename: María C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Martínez-Pabón
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
authors.forename: Cecilia M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Martínez Delgado
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
authors.forename: Ana M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: López-Palacio
authors.affiliation: Institución Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Colombia.
authors.forename: Lina M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Patiño-Gómez
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
authors.forename: Eduin A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Arango-Pérez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009909:Oral Health; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult