Gum Disease and Pregnancy Complications

Many dental professionals are aware of the risks associated with periodontal disease and pregnancy, but are your patients? How about the public as a whole? Studies have shown that women suffering from gum disease prior to and during pregnancy are seven times more likely to give birth to a low- weight baby than women who do not have gum disease. But now, expectant mothers and those considering pregnancy should also know that studies show periodontal treatment, even during pregnancy, can actually reduce premature or low-weight births.

An August 2002 study at the University of Chile found a link between advanced gum disease and low-weight or premature babies through a bacteria in the mouth to be consistent with similar studies. This bacteria, linked to prostaglandin, a labor- inducing chemical, travels through the bloodstream to the mother’s placenta and fetus, which can lead to premature labor. Preliminary research by the American Academy of Periodontology indicates that the risk increases again, when women have generalized periodontal disease (more than 30 percent of their mouth). This information is even more significant for women ages 30 to 54 because 23 percent are more likely to have periodontal disease and be unaware of it because the disease progresses slowly. Women ages 30 to 44 make up seven percent of the childbearing population.

Physicians may want to tell their patients that, according to the University of Chile study, of the 400 participating women with advanced periodontal disease, only two percent who received treatment before the end of the second trimester gave birth to either a low-weight or preterm infant. In contrast, 10 percent of women who received periodontal treatment after giving birth had delivered low-weight or preterm babies.

Periodontal disease is easily avoidable with regular dental visits and a good at-home oral care routine. Another important factor is a balanced diet, which is imperative to good overall health. There is no guarantee that everyone who hears this message will take your warnings to heart, but they will appreciate your concern for both their well-being and the well-being of their children.

Information regarding periodontal disease and pregnancy should be discussed during regular visits. Physicians may consider encouraging a periodontal screening for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. While you and other members of your office team have a variety of topics to discuss with your patients, it takes only a few minutes to discuss the risks associated with gum disease. Women who are told of these risk factors are more likely to receive a periodontal screening, which may lead to a healthier pregnancy, a healthier baby, and regular oral care that continues both during and after pregnancy.

Sources:
http://www.ada.org/prof/pubs/daily/0209/0912peri.html
http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.baby.htm