Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 1, 2026

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
10:42

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children

Published on: December 31, 2017

17.7K

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
PubMed

Insights

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.

More Related Videos

Assessing the Viability of a Synthetic Bacterial Consortium on the In Vitro Gut Host-microbe Interface10:24

Assessing the Viability of a Synthetic Bacterial Consortium on the In Vitro Gut Host-microbe Interface

Published on: July 4, 2018

12.1K
Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

20.5K

Related Concept Videos

Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
86.4K
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
713
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine01:29

Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine

The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
1.4K
History of Microbiology01:28

History of Microbiology

Microbiology, a scientific field dedicated to the study of microorganisms, has undergone profound development since its inception in the 17th century. Its history is marked by key discoveries and technological advancements that have shaped our understanding of life at the microscopic level and transformed medicine, agriculture, and industry.Early Foundations of MicrobiologyThe early foundations of microbiology were built on groundbreaking observations and the development of pioneering...
6.9K
Language Development01:22

Language Development

Children master language quickly and with relative ease, supported by both biological predisposition and reinforcement. B. F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned through reinforcement, while Noam Chomsky (1965) argued that language acquisition mechanisms are biologically determined.
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
767