 In a recent study, bacteria from the mouth were found in the amniotic fluid. While the presence of periodontal germs has not been shown to adversely affect pregnancy, this study does show that there is a direct connection between what goes on in the mouth and what goes on in the womb. This supports what we've been saying all along: pregnant mothers should have regular checkups and meticulously thorough oral hygiene.
Study evaluates women at risk for premature labor
CHICAGO–July 3, 2007–A study appearing in the July issue of the Journal of Periodontology
identified bacteria commonly found in the mouth and associated with
periodontal diseases in the amniotic fluid of some pregnant women. Study Abstract *
The study, which evaluated 26 pregnant women with a diagnosis of
threatened premature labor, found the presence of periodontal bacteria,
P. Gingivalis, in both the oral cavity and amniotic
fluid in 30% of the women. Amniotic fluid is a liquid that surrounds an
unborn baby during pregnancy. Any disruptions in the amniotic fluid,
such as a bacterial infection, could potentially be dangerous to both
the mother and baby.
“We evaluated women who were at risk of premature labor,” said study
author Gorge Gamonal, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile. “We
know that there are many reasons a woman can be diagnosed with
threatened premature labor, including bacterial infection. Past
research has shown a relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes
and periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection.”
“While
this study’s findings do not show a direct causal relationship between
periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes, it is still
important for women to pay special attention to their oral health
during pregnancy,” explained Preston D. Miller, DDS and AAP president.
“Woman who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant should speak
with their dental and health care professionals about their oral health
during pregnancy.”
To safeguard your health, take the AAP's online test to assess your gum disease risk. A referral to a periodontist in your area and free brochure samples are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM (800-356-7736) or visiting the AAP's Web site at www.perio.org.
Be sure to also keep in mind this “pocket size” guide to periodontal health: periodontal pockets of one to two millimeters with no bleeding are not a concern, but pockets of three and four millimeters may need a more in-depth cleaning called scaling and root planing.
The American Academy of Periodontology
is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in
the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums
and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and
maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental
specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at
312/573-3243 or 312/573-3242.
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