PERIODONTAL CONDITIONS IN PREGNANT AND NON – PREGNANT WOMEN IN KARACHI

The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of clinical plaque treatment removal in pregnant and non-pregnant females in Karachi, Pakistan. A quasi experimental study was designed with a sample size of 108 women, both pregnant and non-pregnant. Three antenatal clinics from different areas of Karachi were selected. Total duration of study was two and a half years. A total of 86 pregnant females were selected along with 22 non-pregnant females by random sampling. Pregnant females in the first trimester were placed in group-A while from second trimester in group-B. A control group of non-pregnant females were placed in group-C. Groups A and B were given half mouth treatment for the first month. They were retreated with complete mouth therapy in the second month. Groups C were given a full mouth treatment. CPI (Community Periodontal Index) and PLI (Plaque Index) were recorded. All subjects were put on a maintenance regimen of Triclosan containing tooth paste. Significant changes in Plaque Index (PLI) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) were recorded after plaque removal. Half mouth plaque removal resulted in a better outcome regarding gingival health and plaque severity in Group A and B as compared to Group C (p 0.05). Intervention (in terms of plaque removal and triclosan dentifrice) resulted in a significant reduction in PLI and CPI scores in all groups. The intervention by plaque removal at early stage of pregnancy along with maintenance with triclosan had resulted in a more favorable outcome regarding gingival diseases and plaque.