Researchers have shown that periodontal disease in
expectant mothers actually exposes their unborn child to many different risks;
particularly if they also happen to be diabetes sufferers.
Periodontal disease generally begins with a bacterial infection in the gum (gingival) tissue, which progressively destroys the tissue and the underlying bone. If left untreated, the bacterial infection causes an inflammatory reaction in the body, which can significantly deepen the gum pockets (space between the teeth and gums) and forces the gum and jawbone to recede. Eventually, the progressive nature of periodontal disease causes the teeth to become loose and unstable, and eventually fall out.
Pregnancy causes many hormonal changes which increase the
risk of the expectant mother to develop gingivitis (inflammation of the gum
tissue) and periodontal disease. These oral problems have been linked in
many research studies to preeclampsia, low birth weight of the baby and
premature birth. Expectant women should seek immediate treatment for
periodontal disease in order to reduce the risk of pre-natal and post-natal
complications.
Reasons for the Connection
There are many different reasons why periodontal disease may affect the health of the mother and her unborn child:
• Prostaglandin – Periodontal disease appears to elevate levels of
prostaglandin in mothers who are suffering from the more advanced forms of the
condition. Prostaglandin is a labor-inducing compound found in one of the
oral bacteria strains associated with periodontitis. Elevated levels of
prostaglandin can cause the mother to give birth prematurely and deliver a baby
with a low birth weight.
• C -
reactive protein (CRP) –
This protein, which has been previously linked to heart disease, has now been
associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia and premature
birth. Periodontal infections elevate C-reactive protein levels and
amplify the body’s natural
inflammatory response. Periodontal bacteria may enter the bloodstream
causing the liver to produce CRP which leads to inflamed arteries as well as
possible blood clots. These inflammatory effects can then lead to blocked
arteries causing strokes or heart attacks.
•
Bacteria
spread – The bacteria which colonize in the
gum pockets can readily travel through the bloodstream and affect other parts
of the body. In pregnant women, research has found that oral bacteria and
associated pathogens have colonized in the internal mammary glands and coronary
arteries.
Diagnosis and Treatment
There are many safe, non-surgical treatment options
available for pregnant women. It is of paramount importance to halt the
progress of the periodontal disease in order to increase the chances of a safe and
healthy delivery.
Initially, the dentist will assess the exact condition of
the gums and jawbone in order to make a precise diagnosis. Scaling and
root planing are two common non-surgical procedures used to rid the tooth-root
surfaces of calculus (tartar) and remove the bacterial toxins from the gum
pockets.
The advantages to the pregnant woman are plentiful.
The risks of pregnancy complications caused by periodontal disease are reduced
by as much as 50%, and these treatments will alleviate many unpleasant and
harmful effects associated with gingivitis and periodontal infection.
Dentists can provide dental education and recommendations
to pregnant women on effective home care which can reduce risks that may
affect her and/or her child’s health.
Risks of periodontal disease can be vastly reduced by proper home care, smoking
cessation, dietary changes, and the ingestion of supplementary vitamins.
If you have any questions or concerns about periodontal
disease and its affect on pregnancy, please ask your dentist
