Exploring Bacteria-Causing Dental Caries among Pregnant Women
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Background/Purpose: Pregnancy is a physiological condition with well-known associated changes in organ systems, endocrine secretions, and psychological state. The oral microbiome during pregnancy is an area of research that has received lesser attention. Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli are caries-causing bacteria whose natural levels may be altered during the unique sequence of physiological events that occur during pregnancy. The purpose of this narrative review is to examine and describe the dental caries causing bacteria during pregnancy.
Methods: Articles were searched from three electronic databases (PubMed, Dentistry and Oral Sciences, and Bacteriology Abstracts) from January 2000 to February 2024. Concise keywords and MeSH terms (e.g., Streptococcus mutans, dental caries, pregnan, * oral microbiome, and lactobacillus) were utilized to enhance search results. Inclusion criteria included quantitative studies that focused on the gestational to postpartum period, salivary data collection procedures, and written in the English language.
Results: An initial search yielded 76 articles after removing duplicates. After article abstracts were reviewed for relevance of this narrative review, nine articles consisting of one systematic-review and eight observational studies were chosen for appropriateness. Most studies utilized salivary samples to evaluate the bacterial loads of Streptococcus mutans in each trimester. Salivary factors related to caries development and progression during pregnancy was also a common theme.
Conclusion: More research is needed to evaluate the bacterial loads of caries-causing bacteria in pregnant women. This will allow dental providers and pregnant women to prevent and manage oral infections.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Denise Mckinney
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Dental Hygiene
College Affiliation
College of Health Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Dental Hygiene | Dental Public Health and Education | Maternal and Child Health | Oral Biology and Oral Pathology
Session Title
Poster Session
Location
Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library
Start Date
3-30-2024 8:30 AM
End Date
3-30-2024 10:00 AM
Exploring Bacteria-Causing Dental Caries among Pregnant Women
Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library
Background/Purpose: Pregnancy is a physiological condition with well-known associated changes in organ systems, endocrine secretions, and psychological state. The oral microbiome during pregnancy is an area of research that has received lesser attention. Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli are caries-causing bacteria whose natural levels may be altered during the unique sequence of physiological events that occur during pregnancy. The purpose of this narrative review is to examine and describe the dental caries causing bacteria during pregnancy.
Methods: Articles were searched from three electronic databases (PubMed, Dentistry and Oral Sciences, and Bacteriology Abstracts) from January 2000 to February 2024. Concise keywords and MeSH terms (e.g., Streptococcus mutans, dental caries, pregnan, * oral microbiome, and lactobacillus) were utilized to enhance search results. Inclusion criteria included quantitative studies that focused on the gestational to postpartum period, salivary data collection procedures, and written in the English language.
Results: An initial search yielded 76 articles after removing duplicates. After article abstracts were reviewed for relevance of this narrative review, nine articles consisting of one systematic-review and eight observational studies were chosen for appropriateness. Most studies utilized salivary samples to evaluate the bacterial loads of Streptococcus mutans in each trimester. Salivary factors related to caries development and progression during pregnancy was also a common theme.
Conclusion: More research is needed to evaluate the bacterial loads of caries-causing bacteria in pregnant women. This will allow dental providers and pregnant women to prevent and manage oral infections.