Study Suggests Oral Health Impacts Mental Health of Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a difficult time period for many reasons. Mentally, it can be an incredibly challenging time.

Looking out for mental health symptoms is important, as it isn’t just the mental health of the mother that is crucial – but also the overall health of the unborn child.

Recent research into the topic has suggested that oral health could actually impact the mental health of pregnant women – in an unexpected finding [1].

Background

Oral health may be known as dental health – and revolves around the health of our mouths – including the teeth and gums.

Meanwhile, mental health problems are common in pregnancy. They can worsen in those with existing mental health conditions.

But anyone, including those who were previously condition-free, is vulnerable to developing one. As always, mental health does not discriminate.

In fact, past research suggests that up to 20% of expectant mothers suffer from mental health conditions during pregnancy [2].

Similarly, mothers who have recently given birth can develop mental health conditions, such as Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Psychosis.

New Research

The research was conducted by a team from Michigan State University in the United States [1].

The research looked at the oral microbiome – which refers to the community of bacteria found in the mouth. Having a well-balanced microbiome is important.

The research featured 224 participants. These were all pregnant women in the second trimester – which refers to those in weeks 13 to 28 [1].

The 224 women had saliva samples taken, and took part in a survey that tested them for levels of symptoms of mental health conditions like Anxiety and Depression.

Then, the researchers compared the saliva samples with the results from the survey. They looked to see if it was possible to find conclusions [1].

They noticed that there was a strong connection between those with a wider range of bacteria in the oral microbiome and those with symptoms of mental health conditions [1].

Then, for those with less diversity in bacteria in the oral microbiome, they typically had less mental health symptoms [1]. Therefore, their mental health was stronger.

Overall, the researchers were able to conclude that the more diverse that a person’s oral microbiome is, the likelier they are to have mental health conditions [1].

The findings show how strong oral health can have a positive impact on mental health – especially during pregnancy.

With this in mind, it is highly recommended that pregnant women take extra care with their oral health – which should include brushing their teeth twice per day and flossing nightly.

Small steps like this can clearly boost oral health, which subsequently helps our mental health. It also improves the chances of the unborn child having strong health after being born.

Summary

These are interesting findings. Their work shows the importance of oral health – as it can clearly have a positive impact on our mental health.

The research was published in the BMJ Mental Health journal. Further research is likely to be carried out in forthcoming months.

See Also

• NHS To Offer Virtual Reality Therapy For Agoraphobia
• Is There A Link Between Iron Deficiency and Mental Health?
• The Legacy of Sigmund Freud
• New Research Shows The Oral Health Problems Facing Those With Mental Health Conditions