Effie Ioannidou, DDS, MDS, Laura Jelliffe-Pawlowski, PhD, MS, and Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD

Press Release

Growing evidence suggests that periodontal disease during pregnancy may be associated with serious complications, including preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Yet oral health remains one of the most overlooked components of prenatal care.

With funding from Colgate-Palmolive, researchers in the School of Dentistry and the School of Medicine at UC San Francisco (UCSF), in partnership with investigators at the Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University (NYU), have launched the CHEER study (Closing Health Equity through Empowering Oral Health for Maternal Wellness). The study is being conducted in collaboration with the International Healthy Outcomes of Pregnancy for Everyone (HOPE) Research Consortium and the UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative/Center for Birth Justice to advance efforts to reduce preventable preterm birth and improve maternal health equity.

CHEER is a randomized controlled clinical study enrolling individuals in early pregnancy who have gum disease and are receiving prenatal care through participating clinics. The study includes a focus on communities that often face barriers to accessing dental care, including individuals covered by public insurance or similar programs.

The study goal is to determine whether providing practical tools and ongoing reinforcement can meaningfully improve oral health during pregnancy. Participants will be followed from early pregnancy through several months after delivery. In addition to measuring improvements in gum health, the research team will assess exploratory associations with differences in pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.

The research initiative will be co-led by Effie Ioannidou, DDS, MDS, and Laura Jelliffe-Pawlowski, PhD, MS, bringing together complementary expertise across oral and maternal health. Ioannidou, a clinician-scientist and internationally recognized expert in periodontology, will lead the UCSF dental research components, focusing on inflammation, periodontal disease, and their broader systemic implications. Jelliffe-Pawlowski, professor of Epidemiology and Precision Health and Senior Associate Dean of Research at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, and emeritus professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at UCSF, will lead efforts to examine maternal and pregnancy outcomes. Dr. Larry Rand, MD, Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at UCSF and Principal Investigator of the UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative, serves as a key expert contributor on the study as well.

“Pregnancy is a critical, but so understudied, window for both prevention and equity,” said Ioannidou, professor and Chair of the Department of Orofacial Sciences at UCSF and one of the principal investigators of CHEER. “For too long, oral health has been separated from prenatal care. With CHEER, we are testing whether simple, practical tools — delivered in ways that fit into people’s lives — can improve maternal health and give babies a healthier start.”

Jelliffe-Pawlowski, emphasized the broader public health implications. “Preterm birth remains one of the most pressing challenges in maternal health,” she said. “If improving oral health can help reduce risk — even modestly — it could have meaningful impact for families and communities, particularly those who experience the greatest disparities.”

“This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to unite academic excellence with industry leadership to advance oral health on a global scale,” said Michael S. Reddy, DMD, DMSc, Dean of the UCSF School of Dentistry and Associate Vice Chancellor for Oral Health Affairs. “Together, we are committed to generating high-quality evidence that will shape the future of dental care and improve health outcomes for communities everywhere.”

“Colgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all. We are pleased to work with the team from UCSF and NYU to advance important work to reduce the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes by addressing overlooked oral health issues that pregnant women experience,” said Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, and Executive Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer, Colgate-Palmolive. “Improving oral health literacy and introducing preventive strategies as components of prenatal care are important ways we can advance our purpose – and make more smiles around the world”.

The partnership underscores a shared commitment to scientific rigor, innovation, and improving global health outcomes through collaborative research.

“Collaborations between academia and industry are essential for translating scientific discovery into real-world impact,” said Amy Gryshuk, PhD, Associate Director of Strategic Alliances at UCSF Innovation Ventures. “By working across UCSF’s schools and disciplines alongside industry partners, we can accelerate the development of clinically meaningful solutions and ensure that promising innovations move efficiently from the lab to patients, ultimately improving health outcomes at scale.”

About UCSF School of Dentistry
As a global leader in dentistry, the UCSF School of Dentistry has advanced oral and overall health for more than 140 years through groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary education, and comprehensive patient care. Consistently ranked as the top dental school in NIH research funding, UCSF continues to pioneer innovations that connect oral health with broader health care.

About NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is a global leader in nursing education and research, preparing compassionate nurses who deliver patient-centered care that improves lives and strengthens communities. Founded in 1932 and consistently ranked among the nation's top nursing schools, NYU Meyers offers world-class BS, MS, DNP and PhD programs that prepare the next generation of nursing leaders. Its faculty, students and alumni are scientists, clinicians, educators, and policymakers working to transform healthcare and expand access to quality care for all.

About Colgate-Palmolive Company
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets, and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, we sell our products in more than 200 countries and territories under brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, Ajax, Axion,  Darlie, elmex, EltaMD, Fabuloso, Filorga, hello, Hill’s Prescription Diet, Hill’s Science Diet, Irish Spring, Lady Speed Stick, meridol, PCA SKIN, Prime100, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Sorriso, Soupline, Speed Stick, Suavitel and Tom’s of Maine. We are recognized for our leadership and innovation in promoting sustainability and community wellbeing, including our achievements in decreasing plastic waste and promoting recyclability,  saving water and improving children’s oral health through our Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached approximately two billion children and their families since 1991. For more information about Colgate-Palmolive and how we make more smiles, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com. 

About UCSF Innovation Ventures                                                                                                                          Innovation Ventures at UCSF supports the unique journey of each project by closely collaborating with our research faculty and students. Our goal is to transition UCSF innovations from the lab to the marketplace, ensuring greater success. Whether assessing new discoveries, securing funding, launching companies, or forming strategic alliances, Innovation Ventures streamlines the protection, development, and commercialization of valuable healing inventions.