ABSTRACT : Introduction : Oral health is associated with systemic health, including adverse pregnancy outcomes. Understanding the oral microbiome during pregnancy may lead to targeted intervention for prevention of adverse outcomes. The purpose of this review is to examine the literature on the oral microbiome throughout pregnancy.
Methods : We conducted between a literature search with four electric database for original research conducted between 2021 and 2022 that examined the oral microbiome longitudinally using 16s rRNA sequencing during pregnancy.
Results : We identified six studies that examined the oral microbiome longitudinally throughout pregnancy, though comparisons of oral niches, oral microbiome measures, and findings between studies were not consistent. Three studies identified alteration in alpha diversity throughout pregnancy and two studies identified increased pathogenic throughout pregnancy and two studies identified increased pathogenic bacteria during pregnancy. Three studies reported no changes in the oral microbiome throughout pregnancy, and one study identified differences in the composition of the microbiome based on socioeconomic status and antibiotic exposure. Two studies examined adverse pregnancy outcomes in association with the oral microbiome, one reporting no associations and one reported difference in community gene composition in those diagnosed with preeclampsia.
Clinical Implications : There is limited research on the composition of the oral microbiome during pregnancy. There may be alterations in the oral microbiome throughout pregnancy. There may be alterations in the oral microbiome during pregnancy susch as increased relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria. Socioeconomic status, antibiotic use, and education may contribute to differences in the microbiome composition over time. Clinicians should evaluate oral health and educate on the importance of oral health care during the prenatal and perinatal time period.