PREMATURE / LOW BIRTH WEIGHT
For a long time we’ve known that risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and drug use contribute to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at a low birth weight.
Research is now finding a new risk factor – periodontal (or gum) disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small. Certain bacteria cross the placenta, which results in the foetus making antibodies and showing signs of stress. This causes an increased risk for premature birth, associated with multiple medical conditions including neurological deficits, cerebral palsy, developmental and growth restrictions.
If you are pregnant, the hormonal changes you are undergoing will make you particularly prone to periodontal disease. More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes. It appears that periodontal disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce labour. Furthermore, data suggests that women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby.
All infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby. We recommend that women considering pregnancy or who are pregnant and haven’t had a resent exam have a periodontal evaluation. We want you to be aware of the general health risks linked to your periodontal (gum) disease.
Information for this article was found from the following sources:
Perio
Periobirth
For more information on Children’s Oral Health