Which components constitute salivary buffers that are decreased during pregnancy?

Which components constitute salivary buffers that are decreased during pregnancy?

• A. Calcium and phosphate
• B. Bicarbonate and phosphate
• C. Sodium and chloride
• D. Potassium and carbonate

Answer: (B)

Salivary buffering relies mainly on bicarbonate and phosphate. These ions neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria, helping keep the mouth’s pH closer to neutral. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can reduce the secretion of these buffering ions from the salivary glands, lowering buffering capacity and making the saliva less effective at neutralizing acids. Calcium and phosphate are more about enamel remineralization than buffering; sodium and chloride are general electrolytes; potassium and carbonate aren’t the primary buffering duo in saliva. So bicarbonate and phosphate are the salivary buffers that decrease during pregnancy.

Salivary buffering relies mainly on bicarbonate and phosphate. These ions neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria, helping keep the mouth’s pH closer to neutral. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can reduce the secretion of these buffering ions from the salivary glands, lowering buffering capacity and making the saliva less effective at neutralizing acids. Calcium and phosphate are more about enamel remineralization than buffering; sodium and chloride are general electrolytes; potassium and carbonate aren’t the primary buffering duo in saliva. So bicarbonate and phosphate are the salivary buffers that decrease during pregnancy.