CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Pregnant? Your Teeth Could Cause Preterm Delivery

save article
profile picture of Kylie McConville
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image
Image: Shutterstock / The Bump

A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that gum disease, known as periodontal disease (an inflammatory chronic condition that attacks gums and bones surrounding teeth) can lead to preterm labor for mom and a low-birth weight for baby.

Researchers included in the study defined low-birth weight was defined as under 2500 grams, or 5 pounds, 5 pounces and preterm labor as anything happening at or before 37 weeks. At 37 weeks, baby is practicing inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking and he’s also getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for his first diaper.

To find out just how chronically inflamed gums cold have the ability to cause such adverse outcomes for mom and baby, researchers studied two possible pathways that could affect a pregnant woman’s teeth. The first, they noted, was a direct pathway by which oral microorganisms were able to reach baby in-utero and the second, which was much more indirect, found that inflammatory “mediators” were circulating in the body and were able to impact baby by being in the body.

What does periodontal disease look like — and what symptoms should you look out for? The Huffington Post spoke with Dr. Nancy L. Newhouse, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a practicing periodontist, who said that, "Tenderness, redness and swollen gums are a few indications of periodontal disease. Other symptoms include gums that bleed with tooth brushing or eating, gums that are pulling away from the teeth, bad breath and loose teeth. These signs, especially during pregnancy, should not be ignored and may require treatment from a dental professional.

Although it may sound dated, from 2007 to 2009, the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System noted that more than 56 percent of women admitted that they never visited their dentist throughout their pregnancy — and 35 percent admitted they hadn’t had a dental visit within the last year.

Related Video

Brushing, flossing and other periodontal therapies have been shown as safe interventions that can help improve periodontal conditions for moms-to-be. In more severe cases, antibiotics can be used, however, researchers noted that these systemic antibiotics won’t reduce the overall preterm birth rates and low birth weights. Regular trips to the dentist throughout pregnancy can also help women ward off the inflammation.

Did you take care of your teeth during pregnancy?

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

Say Ahh: Why Going to the Dentist While Pregnant Is So Important
Say Ahh: Why Going to the Dentist While Pregnant Is So Important
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Prenatal Vitamins: Benefits and Side Effects
Prenatal Vitamins: Benefits and Side Effects
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
best belly bands-hero
9 Best Pregnancy Belly Bands to Support Your Baby Bump
By Lynsey Eidell
ADVERTISEMENT
various vitamins on beige background
How to Choose the Best Prenatal Vitamins
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman applying lotion to belly
How Your Pregnant Belly Will Change During Each Trimester
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of pregnant woman's belly with stretch marks
Can You Prevent Pregnancy Stretch Marks? Here’s the Deal
By Nehal Aggarwal
woman putting on compression socks
The Best Compression Socks for Pregnancy
By Danielle Halibey
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman holding a glass of water near belly
How to Treat a UTI During Pregnancy
By Korin Miller
pregnant woman fixing bra
8 Ways Breasts Change During Pregnancy
By Korin Miller
close up of bare pregnant belly
Body Dysmorphia in Pregnancy: How to Combat Negative Body Image
By Lauren Barth
ADVERTISEMENT
earth mama mineral sunscreen
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen
By The Bump Editors
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 51
Best of Pregnancy Winner: Reader’s Favorite Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen
By The Bump Editors
bio oil
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Body Oil
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
Best of Pregnancy: Juice Beauty Pregnancy Skincare
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Brand
By The Bump Editors
Honest Me Moment Soaking Salts
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy Bath Salts
By The Bump Editors
Best of Pregnancy: Beauty Counter mascara
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy-Safe Makeup Brand
By The Bump Editors
Mama Mio tummy rub butter
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Belly Butter
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
Best of pregnancy: Pink Stork morning sickness sweets
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Morning Sickness Relief
By The Bump Editors
close up of sun shining on pregnant belly with dark background
PSA for Expectant Moms: What I Learned From My Second Pregnancy
By Adriana Quaranto
Model and influencer Hunter McGrady welcomes her first baby.
Hunter McGrady on Misconceptions Around Pregnancy for Plus-Size Women
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List