Periodontal Disease may be a risk factor for Pre-Term/Low Birth Weight. Six of the destructive anaerobic bacteria known to contribute to gum disease are commonly found at least half the time in placentas of mothers with preeclampsia, the most dangerous pregnancy complication. Simple gingivitis can triple Pre-Term/Low Birth Weight (PT/LBW) risks. Moderate gum disease can move that statistic to 8X the risk. Asthma, poor vision, cerebral palsy, low IQ, poor motor skills, hearing and neuro-developmental disabilities are also linked to early delivery.
Inflammation from poor oral conditions can also make it difficult to become pregnant. Keeping inflammation low in the first place through lifestyle is most important.
Systemic and oral conditions feed off each other. Elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy unbalance the normal bacterial flora in the mouth – estrogen encourages the more destructive bacteria to thrive. Pregnancy also releases hormones that make blood vessel walls leaky, so it is easier for bacteria to enter the blood stream, then enter the placenta and amniotic fluid. Gum disease increases inflammation in the body, which releases prostaglandins. (Prostaglandins are what OBs administer to stimulate labor.)
Gestational Diabetes is another condition that pregnant women should be aware of. While it typically goes away after the pregnancy, sometimes it can continue on if not treated properly.
Finally, oral conditions may deteriorate during pregnancy and there is an increased risk for caries. Xylitol has been shown to be safe and effective in assisting in preventing tooth decay in Pregnant women.
ARTICLES:
Periodontal disease as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. A systematic review.
Ann Periodontol. 2003 Dec;8(1):70-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14971249
ABSTRACT: There were two main conclusions that came from this article. One- that periodontal disease may be a risk factor for PT/LBW. Two- Preliminary evidence to date suggests that periodontal intervention may reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Effect of maternal use of chewing gums containing xylitol, chlorhexidine or fluoride on mutans stretococci colonization in the mothers’ infant children.
Oral Health Prev Dent. 2003;1(1):53-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15643749
ABSTRACT: In this study of 416 women, they found that the maternal consumption of xylitol – and chlorhexidine/xylitol-containing chewing gums significantly reduced the mother-child transmissioin of salivary mutans streptococci (the primary bacteria implicated in tooth decay).
Detection of Porphyomonas gingivalis in the Amniotic Fluid in Pregnant Women with a Diagnosis of Threatened Premature Labor.
Journal of Periodontology. 2007;Vol. 78, No. 7, pp.1249-1255. http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2007.060368:
ABSTRACT: In a study conducted in Chile found a significant percentage of women who were threatened with premature labor had bacteria that are typically found only in the mouth – in their amniotic fluid. The presence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity by P. gingivalis could indicate a role for periodontal pathogenic bacteria in pregnant women with a diagnosis of threatened premature labor.
