Recent research has looked into the connection between the oral microbiome and mental health symptoms in pregnant women. Pregnancy is a major time in a person’s life, and looking after their mental health is crucial. New research suggests that oral health can have a direct impact on the mental health of expectant mothers.
Being pregnant is a major situation in a person’s life. During this time, the expectant mother will become vulnerable to a range of health conditions.
Therefore, monitoring both the physical and mental health of pregnant women is crucial. However, symptoms of ill mental health often go under the radar, which presents an issue for health professionals.
Identifying potential causes of mental health problems in pregnant women is very important. New research has suggested that changes in the oral microbiome may impact mental health symptoms [1].
This research contributes towards ongoing efforts to help expectant mothers, and offers a reminder of the importance of looking after our oral health throughout our lives.
Mental health and pregnancy
With pregnancy being a difficult and nerve-racking time, it is unsurprising that mental health problems can arise during this period.
In fact, research shows that anywhere from 10%-20% of expectant mothers suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, during pregnancy [2].
The United Kingdom’s NHS recommends eating healthily, talking about feelings and trying breathing exercises to help with mental health problems in pregnancy [3].
However, a new avenue should also be considered, in line with findings from the recent research. This involves our oral health.
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from Michigan State University in the United States. Their findings have been published in the BMJ Mental Health journal [1].
The research involved the oral microbiome, which is the wide variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses etc, that live in our mouths. We keep our oral microbiome healthy by maintaining strong oral hygiene.
The research involved a study of 224 pregnant women who were in their second trimester (weeks 13 to 28) [1]. All 224 women had saliva samples taken, which were then analysed.
The researchers used surveys to assess levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in the women [1]. These are all common mental health problems.
Then, the researchers cross-referenced the saliva samples with the levels of mental health symptoms, looking to see if any conclusions could be drawn [1].
The researchers found that those with a high number of symptoms of mental health problems had a greater diversity in the oral microbiome – meaning that there were a wider range of bacteria, fungi and viruses etc [1].
However, those with fewer symptoms had a more balanced oral microbiome – with less diversity [1]. Essentially, the mental health of these participants was better.
Therefore, the researchers suggested that an increased number of bacterial species in women was associated with more mental health symptoms [1].
The researchers were able to identify specific types of bacteria that were found in high levels in those with mental health problems [1]. For example, those with high levels of phylum Firmicutes were likelier to have high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms [1].
Moreover, it was observed that high levels of phylum proteobacteria was associated with high levels of stress. Meanwhile, spirochaetes was commonly seen in those with a high number of symptoms of Depression [1].
Summary
Overall, the findings certainly suggest that changes in the oral microbiome are associated with mental health symptoms. This is an important link to be aware of.
They found that those with a wider diversity in the oral microbiome were more likely to have ill mental health [1]. This is an interesting finding, and one that is important for researchers.
The researchers noted that this connection could result in new interventions being implemented which target the oral microbiome for pregnant women [1].
This is important, as it will promote strong health for the expectant mother, and should also help the child to be born into an environment where their mother has healthy wellbeing.
These findings confirm the significance of looking after our oral health. By having strong oral hygiene, it can promote a healthier microbiome, which appears to have a positive effect on mental health.
Thinking points…
[1] These findings underline the importance of oral health! Therefore, remember to adopt excellent oral hygiene, which includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing regularly. Additionally, make sure that you attend dental check-ups, as these allow a dentist to take a thorough look at your oral health. We recommend booking a check-up soon!
[2] Do you know anyone that is currently pregnant? If so, you could share this article with them! Little things like improving their oral hygiene can seemingly reduce symptoms of poor mental health. Knowing this could be really helpful for them. Therefore, why not share this article now?!
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Alex, A. M., Levendosky, A. A., Bogat, G. A., Muzik, M., Nuttall, A. K., Knickmeyer, R. C., & Lonstein, J. S. (2024). Stress and mental health symptoms in early pregnancy are associated with the oral microbiome. BMJ Mental Health. 27: e301100. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2024-301100.
[2] Howard, L. M., & Khalifeh, H. (2020). Perinatal mental health: a review of progress and challenges. World Psychiatry. 19 (3): p313-327. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20769.
[3] NHS. (2024). Mental health in pregnancy. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/mental-health/. Last accessed: 28th November 2024.
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