The oral microbiome evolves throughout different stages of life, particularly during pregnancy. Research has linked adverse pregnancy outcomes (like preterm birth, preeclampsia and low birth weight) to the oral microbiome, highlighting the urgent need to explore specialised oral microbiome care during this period.
What We Know:
The oral microbiomes of pregnant women have higher total viable microbial counts compared to non-pregnant women, particularly in the first trimester (Fujiwara et al., 2017).
Microbial diversity remains stable during pregnancy, but the composition of the oral microbiome shifts toward a pathogenic state. This change, likely mediated by progesterone and oestrogen, reverts back to a healthy microbiome during the postpartum period (Ye & Kapila, 2021).
Research has shown that Neisseria, Porphyromonas and Treponema were more prevalent in pregnant women, while Streptococcus and Veillonella were seen to be less common, compared to non-pregnant women. However, other studies found that Fusobacteria and Spirochaetes were more abundant during pregnancy, whereas Haemophilus, Neisseria, Streptococcus and Rothia were less prevalent. This compositional shift during pregnancy may increase the risk of infection by harmful oral microbiota, potentially triggering disease (Ye & Kapila, 2021).
Pregnancy gingivitis affects 30-100% of women worldwide. Studies have found that increased levels of Po. gingivalis, Tr. denticola, Pr. intermedia, Ta. forsythia, Campylobacter rectus, A. actinomycetemcomitans and Fretibacterium in the oral microbiome are linked to gingival inflammation during pregnancy. Conversely, higher levels of Rothia dentocariosa in saliva are associated with reduced gingival inflammation during pregnancy (Ye & Kapila, 2021).
Industry Impact and Potential:
Maintaining a balanced oral microbiome is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, as disruptions in the microbiome can contribute to pregnancy complications (Saadaoui, Singh & Al Khodor, 2021).
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of the oral microbiome during pregnancy, specifically exploring its role in gingival inflammation and association to adverse pregnancy outcomes (Cobb et al., 2017).
By understanding how the microbiome evolves and influences pregnancy outcomes, we can pioneer preventive strategies that enhance maternal well-being and foetal development (Cobb et al., 2017).
Our Solution:
Sequential is an industry leader in comprehensive microbiome product testing and formulation. Our expertise and customisable services empower businesses to innovate confidently in developing oral hygiene products that preserve microbiome integrity, ensuring their efficacy and compatibility for a healthier oral microbiome. We are the ideal partner to help your company explore the potential of oral care during pregnancy.
References:
Cobb, C.M., Kelly, P.J., Williams, K.B., Babbar, S., Angolkar, M. & Derman, R.J. (2017) The oral microbiome and adverse pregnancy outcomes. International Journal of Women’s Health.
Fujiwara, N., Tsuruda, K., Iwamoto, Y., Kato, F., Odaki, T., Yamane, N., Hori, Y., Harashima, Y., Sakoda, A., Tagaya, A., Komatsuzawa, H., Sugai, M. & Noguchi, M. (2017) Significant increase of oral bacteria in the early pregnancy period in Japanese women. Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry. 8 (1), e12189. doi:10.1111/jicd.12189.
Saadaoui, M., Singh, P. & Al Khodor, S. (2021) Oral microbiome and pregnancy: A bidirectional relationship. Journal of Reproductive Immunology. 145, 103293. doi:10.1016/j.jri.2021.103293.
Ye, C. & Kapila, Y. (2021) Oral microbiome shifts during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: Hormonal and Immunologic changes at play. Periodontology 2000. 87 (1), 276–281. doi:10.1111/prd.12386.
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