At birth, what is typically found in the oral cavity?

At birth, the oral cavity is typically free of microorganisms. This is because the fetus develops in a sterile environment within the womb, and it is not until exposure to the external environment during and after birth that the oral cavity begins to populate with bacteria. The introduction of microorganisms occurs primarily through contact with caregivers and the environment, leading to the initial colonization of the oral cavity.

While certain bacteria like S. mutans are associated with oral health and dental caries as a child grows, they do not colonize the oral cavity immediately at birth. Understanding this initial sterile state is crucial for grasping the development of the oral microbiome as the child ages.