Women who develop gingivitis (gum disease) during pregnancy, as many do, are at increased risk for delivering prematurely and of delivering an infant of low birth weight, according to a study conducted in South America. Periodontal therapy to get rid of the bacteria that dwell in the plaque that coats the teeth significantly lowers the risk of preterm/low birth weight (PT/LBW), according to a report in the Journal of Periodontology. "Ideally women should include a visit to their dentist or periodontist prior to becoming pregnant so that they can begin their pregnancy without periodontal infections," Dr. Kenneth A. Krebs, president of the American Academy of Periodontology told Reuters Health. "During their pregnancy, they should remain motivated to maintain a high level of oral hygiene," he added. "If periodontal infection is diagnosed at any time during pregnancy, a woman will want to speak with her periodontist about treatment to determine if it is necessary during pregnancy in order to reduce the risk of preterm birth and low birthweight infant." Studies have shown that infection in the mother plays a key role in about half of all cases of premature delivery, Dr. Nestor J. Lopez from the University of Chile in Santiago and colleagues who conducted the study note in their report. Periodontal infections may be among the maternal infections associated with this and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. There's evidence that some periodontal pathogens can cross the placenta and produce infection in the fetus. --More 2134 Local Time 1834 GMT
