The Connection Between Periodontal Disease And Pregnancy
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in the mouth develops into an excessive amount of plaque and tartar on the teeth, attacking the gums, and causing the teeth to separate from them, by destruction of the connective tissues. Recently, periodontal disease and pregnancy have been linked.
Premature birth is the largest obstetric problem in the United States. Studies have shown that women with periodontal disease can be seven times more likely to deliver a premature baby.
The likely connection between periodontal disease and pregnancy is the increase in the production of hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen. As these hormone levels increase, the presence of the oral bacteria prostaglandin increases in the mouth. Pregnant women with advanced periodontal disease have very high levels of Prostaglandin. This bacteria seems to boost the production of labor-inducing fluids in the body.
The connection between periodontal disease and pregnancy highlights the importance of oral care for expecting mothers, and women planning to become pregnant. If you are pregnant and diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dentist may suggest a cleaning procedure where the surfaces of the roots of the teeth are cleaned to remove harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar. This procedure is known as root scaling and planning. It is common, safe for pregnant women, and non-surgical.
If you are planning a pregnancy, protect against periodontal disease with a good oral care routine. Brush the teeth at least twice a day, floss once a day, and see a dentist for a routine check-up and cleaning, once every six months.
Related posts:
- Curing Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease, and in it’s later stages, it can result in the loss of teeth. Periodontal disease cures vary,...
- Lowering Triglycerides May Reduce Risk of Periodontal Disease Lowering Triglycerides Reduces Risk of Periodontal Disease Dentists have a long list of reasons why sugary foods and a lack of oral hygiene can lead...
- Mouth Wash and Fighting Gum Disease Gum disease is caused by the excessive build up of plaque and tartar on the teeth over time. It is very important to keep up...
- Diabetes and Gum Disease Gum disease happens more often when a person has diabetes. Diabetes and gum disease tend to go together because when you have poor blood sugar...
- Tooth and gum disease Tooth and gum disease, or periodontal disease as those in the business refer to it as, is one of the most frequently diagnosed dental diseases....