Editorial: Oral diseases and prevention in pregnant women, infants and preschool children

The period from pregnancy through early childhood is a cornerstone for lifelong health. Oral health is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of this foundation. Gestational physiological changes during pregnancy can aggravate maternal oral diseases, influencing both birth outcomes and the child’s future oral health. The early postnatal years are equally critical for shaping long-term oral health. During this period, the oral microbiome is assembled, primary teeth erupt, and dietary as well as oral health-related habits are formed. This Research Topic brings together diverse research to advance our understanding and response to oral diseases in these vulnerable groups. The contributing articles can be synthesized into three themes: the burden and risk factors of early childhood caries (ECC), the biological and prenatal factors on oral health and the implementation of strategies for prevention and policy.