Pregnancy May Increase Risk of Dental Caries
A new study reveals that pregnant women experience nearly twice the rate of dental caries compared to nonpregnant women, with hormonal fluctuations playing a key role. Researchers found increased levels of certain oral bacteria and fungi linked to higher caries risk, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a time of profound physiological change, and according to new research, it also brings a significantly higher risk of tooth decay. The study found that pregnant women are nearly twice as likely to develop caries compared to nonpregnant women, with hormonal shifts playing a crucial role in altering oral health.
One of the most striking findings is that up to 87.2% of pregnant women experience dental caries, with those living below the federal poverty level being at an even greater risk of untreated decay. The study points to major hormonal changes — particularly fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol — as potential drivers of increased susceptibility to oral disease. These hormones influence the composition of oral microbiota, creating an environment more conducive to bacterial and fungal growth.
Researchers highlighted that pregnancy is associated with a rise in harmful oral microbes, including Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, which are known to contribute to caries and periodontal diseases. Notably, the late stages of pregnancy showed a higher detection of Candida species, suggesting that peak hormone levels during the third trimester may play a role in disrupting oral health.
Beyond microbial changes, pregnancy-related hormone fluctuations impact gingival tissue by increasing blood flow and permeability of oral vasculature, leading to inflammation and circulatory stasis. These conditions create an ideal environment for the growth of harmful bacteria, exacerbating the risk of caries and periodontal diseases.
Despite the well-documented link between pregnancy and oral health challenges, researchers emphasize that there is still much to learn about the precise relationship between salivary hormones, microbial shifts, and dental caries risk. This study is particularly significant as it aims to assess the levels of six key salivary hormones in underserved pregnant women, shedding light on how hormonal clusters influence oral health outcomes. Click here to read more.
