Nursery World - Possible link between gum disease and premature birth

This week is National Pregnancy Week and the British Dental Health Foundation is reminding women that they need to take special care of their teeth and gums when expecting a baby. Increased hormone levels during pregnancy cause 60 to 70 per cent of pregnant women to develop 'pregnancy gingivitis' or gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease to watch out for include tenderness, swelling, redness or bleeding when the teeth are brushed. The Foundation recommends following these easy steps to maintain a healthy mouth:

Symptoms of gum disease to watch out for include tenderness, swelling, redness or bleeding when the teeth are brushed. The Foundation recommends following these easy steps to maintain a healthy mouth:

* Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

* Use floss to remove plaque from the gaps between your teeth.

* Cut down on how often you have sugary food and drink.

* Visit your dentist regularly. Pregnant women and nursing mothers who are also NHS patients are entitled to free dental treatment.

Last year, research published in JADA, The Journal of the American Dental Association, showed an association between the presence of periodontal infection (disease of the gums and surrounding tissue) at 21 to 24 weeks pregnancy and premature birth. However, the authors say that further studies are needed to determine whether periodontitis is the cause. In the meantime, they recommend that pregnant women should be advised about the importance of good oral health.

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