The adverse relationship between poor dental health and pregnancy is well accepted. Recent studies published in the November 2007 issue of the "Journal of Periodontology," reinforce this relationship. Dental insurance and discount dental plan companies are beginning to provide enhanced dental benefits for pregnant women. What is this link, and how may dental health care break this connection?

Periodontal disease is an infection. Bacterial plaque forms on the teeth and infects the gingiva (the gums) causing gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. Women's bodies react more to infection during pregnancy. They produce more of a chemical called prostaglandin. Prostaglandin causes gums to become more swollen and tender in the presence of plaque and tarter. This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis. Areas may become very swollen, a condition known as pregnancy tumor. Frequent dental prophylaxis and good home care, including brushing and flossing, will help maintain or improve gingival health.

Dental health care is effective in pregnancy, according to Tarannum and Faizuddin. An article by Michalowicz, "Treatment of Periodontal Disease and the Risk of Preterm Birth," ("New England Journal of Medicine," Nov. 2, 2006, pp 1885 to 1894), reports that periodontal treatment during pregnancy is safe and effective at treating periodontal disease.

One of the aforementioned articles in the "Journal of Periodontology," "Effect of Periodontal Therapy on Pregnancy Outcome in Women Affected by Periodontitis," by Tarannum and Faizuddin, reports that non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing, a thorough form of cleaning) reduces the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. However, dentists will agree that all women who intend to become pregnant do their progeny a favor by improving and maintaining dental health care before becoming pregnant.

Author: Dr. David Leader

© 2008 Associated Content