Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentistry

Pregnancy and Peridontal Disease

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Pregnancy & Periodontal Disease Linked to Premature Deliveries

You are pregnant! It’s a wonderful time, so many miraculous changes occurring on a daily basis. The importance of pre-natal care is stressed form day one of discovering that you are expecting. But are you aware of the increased importance of taking care of your teeth during your pregnancy?

A study performed in England with 1000 pregnant women demonstrated that 160 had periodontal disease. Those treated for the disease were significantly less likely to have a premature delivery. According to Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation: “It is further strong evidence that pregnant women should take care of their teeth and receive appropriate treatment during their pregnancy to reduce as far as possible their chance of a pre-term birth.”

Hormonal changes affect a women’s body in a vast variety of ways during pregnancy. These changes can present themselves in the mouth as puffy swollen gums that easily bleed. This is the bodies exaggerated hormonal response to teeth not being as clean as the possibly could be. Getting your teeth cleaned at the beginning of your pregnancy and near the end will lessen the likelihood of the periodontal disease having an impact on your pregnancy.

If you have any questions about periodontal disease how it can impact your pregnancy, please give us a call at 561-394-9000. We will arrange a schedule of appointment for you to achieve your goals of a health mouth and a health baby!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.