Preterm Babies and Mothers’ Dental Health

Women have a lot to worry about when they are pregnant. Unfortunately, studies show that they now have another worry: the potential link between low birth weight babies and gum disease. This problem is distressingly more prevalent than a lot of expecting mothers may even realize. For your health and the health of your unborn child, you need to familiarize yourself with gum disease, its risks, and how to prevent them.

In the United States alone, as many as ten percent of all babies are born prematurely. Naturally, premature babies tend to have a lower success rate. It is a bit more difficult for these babies to thrive and survive. Their development may be at risk as well. Out of all the infant deaths in this nation, almost sixty percent of them are due to the babies being premature with low birth weight.

The use of oral irrigators might help to improve dental health, especially the health of the gum tissue.  Certain brands may be better than others in this regard.

Such high numbers of afflicted mothers and bablies demanded research. Tons of studies are still being done. Some of the results already stumbled upon an astonishing, downright chilling fact. There is a surprisingly strong link between mothers who have gum disease during their pregnancy. The study done suggests that these mothers were an astounding seven times more likely to give birth to babies with low weights at birth.

A special mouthwash referred to as therabreath contains oxygenated compounds that may also be helpful in fighting or preventing gum disease. This mouthwash is also pH balanced, possibly providing further protection to your periodontal health. In any case you should make an attempt to end gum disease and prevent it from coming back again. 

Thus, a little more than eighteen percent of all babies born prematurely can be attributed to maternal gum disease. If the results are correct, that means that gum diseases causes low birth weight more than drinking or smoking during pregnancy.

A primary reason for these disturbing findings is due to the fact that, in general, if a mother has an infection during her pregnancy, her baby is more at risk for being born prematurely. This all begs the question, how can expectant mothers stop this from happening?

For starters, you have to visit your dentist regularly. You especially need to go if you experience any of the telltale signs of gum diseases, such as bleeding, sore, or red gums.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any products in this article.