Study Links Gum Disease In Pregnancy To Elevated Oestrogen Levels
A new research study has linked gum disease in pregnancy to elevated levels of the hormone oestrogen.
The authors of the study found that women who have higher than normal levels of oestrogen are at risk of developing gum disease. Researchers found that women in all trimesters of pregnancy were more likely to suffer from gum disease if they had higher levels of oestrogen.
It is well-known that pregnant women have a higher risk of gum disease, but the role of oestrogen has not been studied in great detail before; this pioneering study, which was carried out at the University of Helsinki, shines a spotlight on the role of the hormone and the research findings could prove very beneficial in the future.
Karen Coates, dental adviser at the British Dental Health Foundation, said that the study could be very useful for improving standards of oral health among pregnant women and tailoring oral healthcare to expectant mothers. She added that the findings add more weight to the foundation’s message to pregnant women and urged expectant mothers to visit their dentist on a regular basis.
Dental care is available free of charge for pregnant women and women who have given birth within the last month on the NHS and dentists encourage regular check-ups throughout the pregnancy.
Previous studies have linked gum disease during pregnancy to an increased risk of premature birth and complications during labour and childbirth.
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