While most pregnant women in Gharyan city demonstrated adequate oral health knowledge, gaps persist in

preventive practices, particularly regarding fluoride use and dental visits. Education level and dental visits

during pregnancy were significant determinants of knowledge. These findings highlight the need for targeted

oral health education programs and increased access to dental services for pregnant women to improve oral

health outcomes for both mothers and their infants.

ABSTRACT

Background and aims. Paracetamol (AAP) is the most common drug used as an analgesic and antipyretic. It can induce oxidative stress which can cause cell death. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of paracetamol on the submandibular salivary gland (SMG)of Albino rats. Methods. Twelve adult male albino rats were used, divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group received orally 350mg/kg (paracetamol) once daily for 4 weeks and control groups received 2ml physiologic saline, and methyl cellos once orally daily during whole experimental period. Results. Histological examination of the experimental group showed that acinar cells demonstrated pyknotic and deeply stained nuclei with many cytoplasmic vacuolations. The ducts showed some signs of degeneration with loss of their normal cellular outlines. However, showed degenerative changes. Apoptotic changes expressed by anti-active caspase 3 were more obvious in acinar cells than in ductal cells. Statistical results showed a significant (P<0.05) statistical difference between the two groups. Conclusion. Long use of paracetamol leads to a degenerative and apoptotic change in acinar and ductal cells (SMG).