Assessment of oral clinical markers of ANTAR XXXI expedition personnel at the Machu Picchu Antarctic scientific station (ECAMP) after a two-month expedition

The Antarctic environment imposes extreme physiological challenges that can alter oral health. This prospective, single-group, pre-post quasi-experimental design (census type, n = 25) evaluated changes in oral clinical markers among Peruvian military personnel after 2 months at the Machu Picchu Scientific Station during the ANTAR XXXI campaign. Pre- and post-expedition variables including Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), bleeding on probing (BOP), tooth sensitivity (Schiff Scale), non-stimulated salivary flow, and salivary pH were measured by calibrated dentists (kappa = .85). Statistical analysis involved McNemar's, Student's t, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Participants were predominantly male (88%), aged 31–40 (44%). Results showed a statistically significant increase in bleeding on probing, from 28% to 40% (p = .046), and a significant decrease in normal salivary flow (68% to 52%), as well as an increase in mild (24% vs. 36%) and severe (8% vs. 12%) cases (Z = 2.885; p = .008). Although poor oral hygiene rose from 28% to 40%, trend was not statistically significant (p > .05). No significant changes occurred in salivary pH or sensitivity. In conclusion, a two-month Antarctic stay is associated with a significant worsening of periodontal health and salivary flow, likely due to environmental factors and diet. These findings underscore the necessity for rigorous dental screening and specific preventive strategies for personnel in extreme isolation.