Comparison of subgingival plaque in pregnant vs. non-pregnant women

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Comparison of subgingival plaque in pregnant vs. non-pregnant women”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Pregnant:
Pregnant refers to the condition of carrying developing offspring within the uterus. This state is significant in the study of gingival changes, as hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to increased gingival inflammation and alterations in the subgingival microbiota, particularly an increase in specific pathogens like Prevotella intermedia.

2) Study (Studying):
A study is a systematic investigation to establish facts or principles. In this context, the study investigates the impact of pregnancy on periodontal health by evaluating microflora changes and clinical parameters, contributing to our understanding of the link between hormonal changes during pregnancy and gingival inflammation.

3) Table:
A table is a systematic arrangement of data, typically in rows and columns, allowing for comparison and easy interpretation of results. In this study, tables summarize clinical findings, microbial counts, and statistical analysis results, providing clear visual representations to support conclusions about pregnancy-related changes in oral health.

4) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. In this study, gingival inflammation during pregnancy is highlighted, showing its association with hormonal changes and increased microbial presence, which may exacerbate periodontal conditions in pregnant women.

5) Species:
Species refers to a group of organisms that can reproduce and have similar characteristics. The study examines specific bacterial species responsible for periodontal disease, such as Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis, understanding their prevalence in the subgingival plaque during pregnancy and its implications for periodontal health.

6) Blood:
Blood is a vital bodily fluid responsible for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste products. In the context of this study, blood is relevant due to its role in the immune response, which is influenced by hormones during pregnancy, potentially impacting gingival health and the inflammatory response.

7) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation refers to the increase or build-up of substances over time. In periodontal health, the accumulation of dental plaque is critical, as it correlates with the severity of gingivitis. The study assesses how hormonal changes during pregnancy may lead to increased plaque accumulation and resultant inflammation.

8) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. The mention of antibiotics is relevant in this study as previous treatments or therapies could influence the subgingival microbiota. Understanding their effects helps in interpreting the observed changes in microbial flora in pregnant women without recent antibiotic use.

9) Karnataka:
Karnataka is an Indian state where the study was conducted. The geographical context is essential as it may involve regional variations in oral health perceptions, healthcare access, and cultural practices, influencing the study's population and findings related to gingival health in pregnant women.

10) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the information, understanding, and skills gained through experience or education. The study contributes to the broader knowledge of pregnancy-related changes in periodontal health and the associated microbiota, helping clinicians and researchers understand the physiological and microbiological mechanisms at play.

11) Swelling:
Swelling is an increase in size of bodily tissues, often due to inflammation. In this study, swelling is discussed in relation to gingival tissues during pregnancy, highlighting how hormonal fluctuations can cause an exaggerated inflammatory response, leading to increased gingival swelling and discomfort in pregnant women.

12) Bleeding:
Bleeding is the loss of blood, often associated with injury or inflammation. The study focuses on bleeding during probing as a sign of gingival inflammation in pregnancy, which may indicate the presence of periodontal disease exacerbated by hormonal changes, thereby underscoring the importance of monitoring oral health.

13) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene refers to practices that promote health and cleanliness. Good oral hygiene is vital in preventing periodontal disease. The study acknowledges the role of oral hygiene practices in managing gingival health during pregnancy, where hormonal changes might influence the response to plaque and the risk of inflammation.

14) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions. The study is rooted in scientific inquiry, utilizing microbiological and clinical methods to understand how pregnancy affects periodontal health, revealing insights into the interaction of hormones and bacteria.

15) Medium:
Medium in this context refers to the growth environment used in microbiology to culture bacteria. The study utilizes specific media for isolating periodontal pathogens, crucial for determining the microbial composition of subgingival plaque and assessing changes associated with pregnancy, contributing to our understanding of oral microbiology.

16) India:
India is the country where the study was conducted. The demographic and socio-economic factors in India may influence periodontal health perceptions and healthcare accessibility, providing a context within which the study's findings on pregnancy and gingival changes can be interpreted and applied.

17) Glass:
Glass in this context likely refers to glass slides used during microbial analysis for gram staining. It is a crucial material for microbiological examinations, allowing researchers to visualize and identify bacteria in plaque samples, aiding in the understanding of changes in subgingival microflora during pregnancy.

18) Horse:
Horse relates to the components of the culture medium, specifically referring to horse serum used in microbial isolation. The use of horse serum is significant as it provides essential nutrients for the growth of specific bacteria, facilitating the study of gingival microbiota changes during pregnancy.

19) Meat:
Meat, particularly in the term 'Robertson's cooked meat medium', refers to the nutrient-rich medium used for bacterial culture. Its relevance lies in providing a supportive environment for the anaerobic bacteria present in subgingival plaque, integral to investigating microbial changes associated with pregnancy and periodontal health.

20) Hand:
Hand may refer to the manual techniques used in clinical examinations or microbiological procedures. The skillful use of hands is essential in collecting subgingival samples or performing detailed clinical assessments, influencing the accuracy and reliability of the study's findings on periodontal changes during pregnancy.

21) Drug:
A drug is a substance used for medical treatment. In the context of this study, the term may pertain to the potential impact of drugs, such as antibiotics, on the oral microbiome during pregnancy. Understanding drug interactions is essential for interpreting microbial changes and their implications for periodontal health.

22) Pur:
Poor refers to substandard conditions or qualities, such as poor oral hygiene. In this study, poor oral hygiene is acknowledged as a factor potentially influencing gingival health. The assessment of individuals with varying hygiene levels helps to understand how this aspect affects periodontal responses during pregnancy.

23) Male:
Male refers to the gender that can influence biological and physiological responses. While this study focuses on female subjects, understanding male-related factors in oral health research provides a comprehensive perspective on gender-specific differences in periodontal disease susceptibility, allowing for targeted approaches in dental care and research.