Treat Gum Disease for Healthier Pregnancy

Researchers have found a possible link between gum disease and preterm births says a study by a periodontal researcher from the U of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. The study examined 322 pregnant women, all with gum disease. Half were treated with root planing and scaling while the other half received only oral hygiene tips. Both groups were followed up 20 weeks after treatment to learn if it was successful. Results showed that pregnant woman who maintained good oral hygiene were much less likely to deliver preterm babies than those who did not maintain oral health. Says lead author Marjorie Jeffcoat, Penn Dental Medicine, “ ... successful periodontal treatment when rendered as an adjunct to conventional obstetric care may reduce the incidence of preterm birth."