Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early
and too small...
Gum Disease and Pregnancy Problems
 |
Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small. |
For a long time we've known that risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and drug use contribute to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at a low birth weight.
Some studies have suggested the possibility of an additional risk factor – periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small. However, more research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes.
All infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby. The Academy recommends that women considering pregnancy have a periodontal evaluation.
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Other Mouth-Body Connections
AAP Oral Health Information on Gum Disease
- More News on Periodontal Disease During Pregnancy
- Recommendations for a Healthy Pregnancy and On-Time Delivery
- Protecting Oral Health Throughout Puberty, Pregnancy, Menopause and Post-Menopause
- Types of Periodontal Disease
- Causes of Periodontal Disease
- What's Your Periodontal Disease Risk? Take AAP's Self-Test
- Locate a Periodontist Near You for an Evaluation
- Treatments for Periodontal Disease
- Encias Sanas y Cuerpo Sano/Enfermedad periodontal - Hoja informative (Article in Spanish)
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