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Oral Microbiota Development in Early Childhood
Beatrice Kennedy1, Sari Peura2,3, Ulf Hammar2
1Department of Medical Sciences, Molecular Epidemiology and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. beatrice.kennedy@medsci.uu.se.
Scientific Reports
|December 15, 2019
Summary
The oral microbiome undergoes significant changes in the first two years of life. Early life factors like birth mode, breastfeeding, and stress influence this crucial oral microbiota development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Developmental Biology
- Human Health
Background:
- The determinants of the oral microbiota in early life are not fully understood.
- The oral microbiome plays a critical role in infant health and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between birth and early childhood characteristics and the composition of the oral microbiota.
- To identify early life factors influencing oral microbiome maturation.
Main Methods:
- 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing was used to analyze oral microbiota composition.
- A population-based Swedish cohort of 59 children was studied at 6, 12, and 24 months of age.
- Repeated-measurement regression models were employed, adjusting for potential confounders.
Main Results:
- Oral microbiota composition undergoes profound shifts during early life, characterized by increased alpha diversity and decreased beta diversity.
- Birth characteristics, breastfeeding, and antibiotic use were associated with changes in bacterial phyla distribution and specific operational taxonomic units (OTUs).
- A novel association was found between morning salivary cortisol levels (a marker of stress) and oral microbiota composition, including a decreased abundance of Streptococcaceae.
Conclusions:
- The first two years of life are critical for oral microbiome maturation.
- Early life circumstances, including physiological stress markers, significantly influence the developing oral microbiome.
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