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  • Mar 03, 2011 - 04:13 PM
  • Posted by Nancy Held
  • Category Pregnancy

Dental Health and Your Pregnancy

Taking care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy may help lower your risk of preterm birth.

Woman Brushing TeethHave you had issues with your teeth and gums during pregnancy?  Did your OB or midwife encourage you to see a dentist to help prevent preterm birth?

Studies have shown that pregnant women with periodontal disease are up to seven times more likely to have a baby born prematurely or be born with a low birthweight. The March of Dimes has stated that preterm birth is the number one obstetrical problem in the United States.

This seems to be caused by the higher levels of the labor-inducing chemical prostraglandin, which is found in bacteria of the mouths of people with pronounced periodontal disease.

Most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy, but be sure to advise the dentist of your pregnancy.  The most common treatment for periodontal disease is a very deep, thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums called scaling and root planing

This procedure helps remove the bacterial toxins that may cause preterm labor.

So, visit your dentist and take care of your teeth.  Your baby’s health depends on it!

-Nancy Held, RN, MS, IBCLC, VP of Clinical and Educational Services

Tags: pregnancy, preterm labor, dental health, fetal development, health

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January 03, 2012 - 7:02:17 AM PDT

Savas Demir says…

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April 10, 2012 - 10:59:27 PM PDT

Lucy Kelly says…

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April 14, 2012 - 9:04:10 PM PDT

Andrew Jeffrey says…

I think pregnancy is the most crucial period for the woman so during this time they should more conscious upon their each organ of health as tooth. Thanks for your concern.
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