Exploring the Link Between Oral Microbial Community Dysbiosis and Dental Disorders in Pregnant Women: A Study at Gatenga Health Center

Prof. Habimana Nshimiyimana

Authors

Prof. Habimana Nshimiyimana Department of Obstetrics and gynaecology Adventist University of Central Africa 343V+W6H, Kigali, Rwanda

Keywords:

Oral microbial community, Dysbiosis, Pregnant women, Dental disorders, Gatenga Health Center, Oral health during pregnancy, Microbiome changes, Pregnancy complications

Abstract

Background: Oral health during pregnancy is essential for both maternal and fetal well-being. A growing body of research suggests that dysbiosis in the oral microbial community may contribute to various dental disorders among pregnant women. This study aimed to investigate the association between oral microbial community dysbiosis and dental disorders in pregnant women attending Gatenga Health Center.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 pregnant women aged 18-40 years who attended Gatenga Health Center for antenatal care. Data on demographic, medical, and oral hygiene characteristics were collected through structured interviews and clinical examinations. Saliva samples were collected to analyze the oral microbial community using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Dental disorders, including dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, were assessed by experienced dentists.

Results: Our findings revealed a significant association between oral microbial community dysbiosis and dental disorders among pregnant women. Dysbiosis, characterized by shifts in the relative abundance of specific bacterial taxa, was more prevalent in women with dental disorders compared to those without. Notably, a higher prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease was observed among pregnant women with dysbiotic oral microbiota. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors demonstrated that dysbiosis was an independent risk factor for dental disorders during pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45-3.78, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study highlights a significant association between dysbiosis in the oral microbial community and dental disorders among pregnant women attending Gatenga Health Center. These findings underscore the importance of oral health care during pregnancy and suggest that interventions aimed at restoring a balanced oral microbiota may help mitigate dental problems in this population. Further research is needed to explore potential mechanisms linking dysbiosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

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