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:
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.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
