Pregnant women should not ignore dental issues
Women have been told not to ignore dental problems during pregnancy.
This warning was issued after dentists discovered that gingivitis had caused a 35-year-old woman to deliver a stillborn baby after 39 weeks.
Doctors found that oral bacteria had spread to the unborn child’s lungs, stomach and bloodstream.
Scientists from Queen Mary University, London, said that bacteria could be spread to a child in the womb through amniotic fluid or blood.
Some reports have suggested that this bacteria can also cause premature birth, premature contractions, infection and low birth weight.
Specialists believe that good oral hygiene can eliminate most of these problems.
Dentists are advising mothers-to-be to brush carefully twice a day, to floss at least once a day and are urging them to receive regular dental check-ups during pregnancy.
They also recommend that pregnant women should rinse their mouth or clean their teeth after eating a lot of sugary food or vomiting.
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