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Updated: Nov 3, 2025

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Maternal and Neonatal Oral Microbiome Developmental Patterns and Correlated Factors: A Systematic Review-Does the
Gianna Maria Nardi1, Roberta Grassi2, Artnora Ndokaj1
1Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Rome, Italy.
Insights
Maternal factors like delivery mode and feeding influence a newborn's oral microbiome. Further research is needed on maternal diet and oral health's impact on infant oral microbiome development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Health
- Maternal Health
Background:
- The early oral microbiome in newborns is crucial for long-term health.
- Understanding factors influencing its establishment is essential for preventive strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the relationship between maternal oral microbiome, delivery modes, feeding methods, and neonatal oral microbiome formation.
- To identify key maternal and neonatal factors impacting the early oral microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies published between 2010 and July 2020.
- Searched MEDLINE (PubMed) database; 11 studies met inclusion criteria.
- Studies analyzed based on delivery mode, maternal antibiotic/disinfectant exposure, and feeding type.
Main Results:
- Delivery mode, maternal antibiotic/disinfectant exposure, maternal overweight status, and gestational diabetes mellitus correlate with changes in maternal and neonatal oral microbiomes.
- Feeding type also significantly impacts the early oral microbiome composition.
Conclusions:
- Delivery mode, maternal health conditions, and feeding practices are significant determinants of the early oral microbiome.
- Evidence is lacking on the impact of maternal diet and oral health on the neonatal oral microbiome.
- Further research is required to develop targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies for pregnant women and newborns.
Abstract:
(1) Background: The purpose of the study was to comprehensively analyze the relationship between the mother's oral microbiome, modes of delivery and feeding, and the formation of the newborn child's oral microbiome. (2) Methods: This systematic review included a search through MEDLINE (PubMed) database (from 2010 to July 2020). Research was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD42021241044. (3) Results: Of the 571 studies, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Included studies were classified according to (i) child's delivery mode, (ii) maternal exposure to antibiotics and disinfectants, and (iii) feeding type. (4) Conclusions: The interpretation of these papers shows that the type of delivery, maternal exposure to disinfectants and antibiotics during delivery, maternal health classed as overweight, gestational diabetes mellitus, and feeding type are correlated to changes in the maternal and neonatal early oral microbiomes, based on the analysis provided in this systematic review. Because no evidence exists regarding the impact of maternal diet and maternal oral health on the establishment and development of the early oral newborn microbiome, more studies are needed to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the subject and develop preventive and therapeutic strategies of support to pregnant women.
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