Mother's Gum Disease May Pose Risk To Unborn

When was the last time you had your teeth examined by your dentist?
Women should be particularly diligent about scheduling regular professional dental cleanings and exams before, during, and after their pregnancies. One particularly good reason for doing so is that a recent study shows that pregnant women with periodontal (gum) disease are at increased risk for delivering their babies prematurely. Aside from delivering early, women with pregnancy gingivitis may also give birth to smaller babies, whether they are born prematurely or at term. The potential threat posed to infants by gum disease in their mothers their mothers may be explained by the fact that the bacteria in plaque can enter the bloodstream. The body then responds to resultant infections by producing chemicals known as prostaglandins, which can signal labor to begin.

Are you pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant? When was the last time you had your teeth examined by your dentist? If you need answers to your questions about dental health concerns, don't hesitate to contact us. At the office of Richard Seidler, D.D.S. – Family Dentistry, we feel that dental visits should be positive experiences. Keeping teeth and gums healthy will contribute to overall health and enjoyment of life. Please call to schedule an appointment with us. We're conveniently located at 5000 Main Street at South Colony Blvd. , Suite 206 , where teaching you how to preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime is our primary goal.

Did you know?
Pregnant women with gingivitis may also develop growths on their gums called "pregnancy tumors" (pyogenic granulomas), which are non-cancerous growths caused by plaque-induced inflammation.

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