In recent articles, we have discussed the importance of your oral health to your physical wellbeing. You should know that periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to potentially fatal systemic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Gum disease in pregnant women can even increase the risk of delivering a preterm low weight baby. Seeking dental treatment is important for more than just your teeth. At Lake Orion Family Dentistry, your oral and overall health is our main concern.
Expecting Mothers Should Seek Dental Treatment in Lake Orion
When gum disease is left untreated, it can deteriorate your gum tissue, causing it to detach from your teeth and leading to tooth loss. The bad bacteria that cause gum disease can enter into your bloodstream through diseased gum tissue and travel throughout your entire body. A recent study in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) studied 328 pregnant women with gum disease and 122 who were periodontally healthy. Of the women who had gum disease, 266 received periodontal treatment within their second trimester. At the end of the pregnancies, 79% of the women who did not receive periodontal treatment gave birth to preterm low birth weight babies, compared to 7.5% of the women who were treated and 4.1% of the women who were originally gum disease free. The study concluded that treating periodontal disease in pregnant women significantly reduced their risk of preterm deliveries.
Make Your Dental Exam a Part of Your Prenatal Care
If you are an expectant mother, Dr. Greenfield advises that you attend a comprehensive dental exam to monitor the state of your dental health. The doctor can assess your risk of gum disease, and consult with you to decide the best treatment to stop gum disease early. To schedule your consultation, call Lake Orion Family Dentistry at (248) 693-6213. We welcome patients from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and the surrounding communities.
