07 Mar 2006
www.cbc.ca/news
Expectant mothers with periodontal disease – a chronic, low-grade infection of the gums – may be more likely to deliver a low-weight baby, new research suggests.
In May, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario will publish a research paper on the link in its professional magazine, which goes out to all dentists in the province.
Some studies have shown that pregnant women with periodontal disease are almost eight times more likely to give birth prematurely or deliver a baby that weighs less than normal.
That could be due to the fact that the body's response to fighting inflammation is similar to the signals a pregnant woman's uterus receives before she goes into labour.
"The theory right now is that when you have a ... severe infection in your mouth, your body releases prostaglandins," said Dr. Hazel Stewart, director of dental services for Toronto Public Health. "And it's that prostaglandins from your mouth that finds its way into the uterus and induces premature labour."
Last month, a report suggested the City of Toronto has a higher incidence of underweight newborns compared with other parts of the province.
Given the findings, Toronto Public Health is taking the periodontal link seriously. It's asked for $400,000 to hire more dental hygienists to treat pregnant women on low incomes.
In the meantime, health officials want oral hygiene kits to be distributed to mothers who might be at risk.
It costs almost $50,000 to care for a premature baby during its first year of life – one reason dental hygiene services should be available for all low-income pregnant women, Stewart said.
Like many expectant mothers, Cindy Chan said she was surprised when her dentist told her about the link.
Chan is four months pregnant, eats well, doesn't smoke or drink but is at risk of developing periodontal disease because of the bacteria on her teeth.
"I don't want my baby [to] come early," said Chan, who heard about the link while at a Toronto Public Health dental clinic for a cleaning, "so better clean your teeth every day."
1 comment:
When you're an expectant mother, you really MUST take care of yourself for the child you're carrying to be healthy and devoid of any diseases connected to the negligence of the mother. When my aunt was pregnant, she really shows how much she care for herself (and to the child to an extent), with proper diet and regular check-ups to the Myrtle Beach dentist.
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