Friday, June 4, 2010

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health

Changes in hormone level during pregnancy can exaggerate the way which gum tissues react to plaque leading to "pregnancy gingivitis". If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that includes bone loss.

Research suggests a link between pre-term delivery, low birthweight babies, and gingivitis. Excessive bacteria can enter the bloodstream through your gums; the bacteria can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are suspected to induce premature labor.

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