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 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 the
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.
