Midtown Dental Services

by Mark N. Jacobson, DDS

Any serious medical complications in pregnancy can increase risks to both the mother and fetus. Periodontitis (gum disease) is an infectious condition that affects 23% of women between the ages of 30-54. It can, and should, be treated by a professional before the start of pregnancy or, if necessary, very soon after.

Untreated periodontal disease may increase the risk of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes including preterm deliveries, while also contributing to medical problems that can affect the health of a newborn child after delivery.

A recent joint research study conducted by the University of North Carolina and the University of Alabama documented the link between pregnant mothers with periodontal disease and preterm deliveries. The study concluded that “women with periodontal disease were seven times more likely to deliver low-birth weight babies prematurely.”

Preterm and low-birth weight infants tend to be more susceptible than normal deliveries to impaired lung function and development. They also have a higher risk of developing neurodevelopment problems such as cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, respiratory problems, behavioral problems, learning problems, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

Why does the link between gum disease and preterm deliveries exist? Scientists believe that periodontitis acts as a source of bacteria and inflammatory factors that induce pregnancy complications via the blood. The gums shed bacteria that enters the bloodstream, triggering systematic (whole body) inflammatory responses during pregnancy. Microbiological studies have shown when a fetus is exposed to the mother’s oral bacteria and an inflammatory response occurs, and the risk of preterm delivery rises to about 60%. Also, scientists believe that infectious germs are often passed from mother to child after the birth.

The effective treatment of periodontitis by a qualified dentist focuses on removing bacterial deposits that form in pockets above and below the gumline. The dentist will scale and root plane the gums to help them heal and prevent additional bacterial deposits. In some cases, curettage is done to remove soft tissues within the pockets, making it harder for more bacteria to form.

According to three studies, professional treatment of periodontal disease in infected mothers resulted in a 28% reduction in preterm or low-birth weight deliveries.

And what about “expectant fathers” with gum disease? While clearly there is no danger during pregnancy, it is a good idea for infected fathers to receive treatment before the baby is born, so that there is less risk of germs being passed to the newborn through ordinary handling and contact by either parent.