BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

Can Mom "Pass Cavities on" to Baby? Study Reveals Possible Connection

Moms with high levels of dental plaque buildup are eight times more likely to pass cavity-promoting yeast to their babies, new research has discovered.
save article
profile picture of Wyndi Kappes
By Wyndi Kappes, Associate Editor
Published January 25, 2024
mom and toddler brushing teeth in bathroom
Image: Anna Kraynova | Shutterstock

It’s no surprise that baby and mom are inextricably connected. Over the years, research has shown just how strong that biological connection is. It’s well known that moms pass antibodies on to their children, and recent research shows that babies make a lasting imprint on Mom, too, leaving pieces of their DNA behind within Mom for years to come.

All these discoveries have spurned deeper research into what Mom may pass on to baby during childbirth or those first formative years. The latest connection to be explored delves into Mom’s oral health, and its impact on baby’s early childhood tooth development and decay.

The study, published in the journal PLOS One, saw researchers taking oral samples from 160 mothers and their children from 2017 to 2020. Samples were collected over the course of eight visits, which were conducted during pregnancy, at the time of birth and then up to when the child turned 2 years old. The scientists sequenced the genomes of organisms in the samples to determine the presence of a specific cavity-promoting yeast known as Candida albicans.

While present in the mouths of many healthy babies, research has shown that higher levels of C. albicans may play a role in tooth decay in early childhood — a condition known as severe early childhood caries. In addition, the fungus can cause a mouth infection known as oral thrush.

Comparing the amount of C. albicans in the mouths of Moms and babies, the scientists determined there to be a strong link between mothers with dental plaque buildup and babies with C. albicans. The data suggests that mothers with a large accumulation of dental plaque are eight times more likely to pass the yeast to their infants than mothers with less plaque on their teeth.

Notably, 94 percent of the mothers and children with C. albicans in their mouths carried strains that were highly genetically related, suggesting that mothers play a role in transmitting the fungi to their children. While scientists are unsure if the yeast is passed from mom to baby, the study’s authors suggest babies may be exposed during delivery, skin-to-skin contact or while feeding.

Scientists note that more research is needed to pinpoint when to intervene specifically to prevent the onset of early childhood caries, but in the meantime, the study authors suggest that moms-to-be put more effort into maintaining better oral health. They also advocate for more education and emphasis to be placed on the importance of oral health during prenatal appointments.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

mom with c section scar holding baby
How to Care for Your C-Section Scar
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
best-postnatal-vitamins-hero
The 6 Best Postnatal Vitamins, Tested by a Postpartum Mom
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mother holding newborn baby while in the kitchen making tea
This Is What Really Happens to Your Vagina After Birth
Medically Reviewed by Kameelah Phillips, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman lying in bed
The Best Morning Sickness Remedies, According to Parents
By Martina Garvey
mom holding baby's hand
$10 Million Allocated for Community Maternal Mental Health Programs
By Wyndi Kappes
mother and baby looking at smartphone on the couch at home
Why Does My Baby…Google Releases 2024's Trending Searches
By Wyndi Kappes
hands holding a menstrual pad on pink background
How to Make Padsicles for Postpartum Recovery
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
woman's legs resting in bed
What to Do About Postpartum Swelling
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
home bathroom toilet and toilet paper
How to Survive Your First Poop After Birth
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman kissing newborn baby's head in hospital
Pediatric Nurse Reminds Newborn Visitors to Follow This One Rule
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
woman meeting friend's newborn baby at home
Viral TikTok Shows How Friends Can Support New Parents
By Wyndi Kappes
postpartum mother wearing postpartum underwear while holding newborn baby at home
7 Best Postpartum Underwear, Tested by New Moms
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
nurse examining baby at home
New Program Offers Free Home Visits for Parents With Newborns
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman talking and laughing with her friends in kitchen at home
How We Develop and Review Our Articles at the Bump
By The Bump Editors
pregnant woman sleeping in chair next to baby crib at home
White House Highlights Game-Changing Maternal Health Initiatives
By Wyndi Kappes
close up of pregnant belly
New Study: US Maternal Mortality Remains Highest Among Wealthy Nations
By Wyndi Kappes
best postpartum pads and underwear
7 Best Postpartum Pads, Tested by a Mom of a Newborn
By Jennifer Wirth
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman sitting on couch at home
Over $100 Million in Funding for Maternal Health Signed Into Law
By Wyndi Kappes
kate middleton announces cancer diagnosis march 2024
How Kate Middleton Discussed Her Cancer Diagnosis With Her Kids
By Wyndi Kappes
jessica pettway dead at 36 from cervical cancer
Momfluencer Jessica Pettway Dies of Cervical Cancer After Misdiagnosis
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.