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Importance of Oral Hygiene for Pregnant Women
Expectant mothers need to chew on this:
Improper care of their teeth and gums during pregnancy can have a
negative impact on not only the teeth and gums of their babies, but also
on birth weight and ability to carry to term.
Past studies have shown that women with periodontal disease may be up to
seven times more likely to deliver a preterm low birth weight baby.
Further substantiating the finding are results of a study released in
May by the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Preliminary study data
indicates that women with generalized periodontal disease affecting 30
percent or more of the mouth are eight times more likely than women
without severe periodontal disease to deliver underweight and/or
premature infants. Even women with a small measure of periodontal
disease are reported to be at risk.
Although not yet determined as the cause, periodontal disease can
trigger increased levels of biological fluids that bring on labor, the
study found. In addition, the more severe the periodontal disease during
pregnancy, the higher the risk of premature birth. And hormones often
are attributed to an increased likelihood for periodontal disease during
pregnancy.
This study also has a second component, an intervention trial to look at
what happens when periodontal disease is treated in pregnant women. It
is expected to be completed next year.
The data tells us the best advice continues to be that women considering
pregnancy have a periodontal screening and get any problems with their
oral health under control before becoming pregnant. However, women who
are already pregnant should not shy away from dental care. The optimum
time to receive periodontal treatment is in the second trimester. It is
advisable that women inform their dentists about a pregnancy so adequate
care and treatment of the teeth and gums is addressed.
By Felix A. Gen, D.D.S., M.S.
Dr. Felix Gen is an Orthodontic Specialist in Lyndhurst, Ohio
He can be reached at (216) 291-3525 or visit his web-site www.brace4success.com
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