Pregnancy & Periodontal Disease
Pregnant women should know
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Pregnant women with periodontal disease have extra risks to worry about related to their body and their baby.
If you or someone you know is pregnant and also has been diagnosed with periodontal disease, they should be informed of the additional risks associated with their condition.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial disease of the gums. It is characterized by red, swollen and/or bleeding gums. Infected gums will recede leading to teeth becoming loose and falling out if left untreated.
Preterm labor related to periodontal disease
Gum disease may raise the risk of preterm delivery and giving birth to a low weight baby.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial research reports "as many as 18 percent of preterm, low birth weight babies are born in the U.S. each year may be attributed to oral infections."
Oral bacteria release toxins which reach the placenta through the mother's bloodstream and interfere with the development and growth of the fetus. Pregnant women who have periodonal (gum) disease are up to eight times more likely to give birth prematurely. Be sure to have a gum examination while pregnant.
If you didn't already have enough reasons to take care of your mouth, teeth and gums, the connection between oral health and your overall health gives you more. Make an investment in your overall health now and for your future - you and your child are worth it.