# Women's oral health in the preconception period: correlates and consequences

> **NIH NIH F31** · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · 2022 · $36,856

## Abstract

Project Abstract
Periodontitis is the most common chronic health condition in humans and affects an estimated 38% of adult
women in the United States. Research has demonstrated a connection between periodontitis and other
adverse health outcomes, including reproductive health outcomes of preeclampsia, low birthweight, and
preterm birth. However, trials evaluating periodontal treatment in pregnancy have not found a consistent
benefit for perinatal outcomes, suggesting that establishment of oral health prior to pregnancy may be required
to influence birth outcomes. Thus, research into oral health in the preconception period may provide important
insights into potential opportunities for oral health promotion, particularly because attempting conception is
often accompanied with behavior changes. Prior research by this investigator evaluating preconception oral
health found an association between self-reported preconception periodontitis and a prolonged time-to-
pregnancy, but the association between preconception periodontitis and other perinatal outcomes remains
uncharacterized. The aim of this research is to address this gap in the literature by providing insights into the
causes and consequences of oral health in the preconception period using data from a large, prospective
cohort study that follows women from the time they are planning a pregnancy (e.g., preconception).
Specifically, Aim 1 will assess predictors of oral health and dental service use in the preconception period. Aim
2 will leverage a Target Trial Framework to emulate a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of
preconception receipt of periodontitis treatment among women with periodontitis on time-to-conception. Finally,
Aim 3 will examine the association between preconception periodontitis and spontaneous abortion (commonly
referred to as miscarriage). Taken together, the proposed project has the potential to provide broad insights
into women’s oral health in the preconception period. An accompanying training plan dovetails with the
research objectives to provide robust, hands-on training opportunities for the applicant to support her transition
to an independent oral health epidemiologist with expertise in observational research methods. The training
plan additionally outlines tailored mentorship opportunities from the sponsor and co-sponsors, all of whom are
recognized experts in their fields with a track record of successful collaboration with each other and the
applicant.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10536354
- **Project number:** 1F31DE031969-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- **Principal Investigator:** Julia Craig Bond
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $36,856
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-06-01 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10536354

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10536354, Women's oral health in the preconception period: correlates and consequences (1F31DE031969-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10536354. Licensed CC0.

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