Woman Encouraged To Maintain Good Dental Health During Pregnancy
Both the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) are urging pregnant women to pay attention to their dental health throughout their pregnancies.
The two bodies gave numerous reasons for maintaining good dental health (especially periodontal health), which included potential low, unhealthy birth weights and premature births if due care wasn’t taken.
Periodontal disease is associated with the gum tissue and occurs when bacteria is able to infect the gums. If left untreated the problem can spread to the jaw bones, which in turn leads to severe tooth loss and other problems. Symptoms include sore, tender gums, halitosis, teeth that are loose and bleeding gums. In regards to pregnancy, however, the risks can be even higher, with birth rates of 5.5 pounds or less, motor skill complications and disabilities in both learning and social capacities.
Both the EFP and the AAP have given recommendations to pregnant women to maintain a good oral health routine including brushing, flossing and mouthwash, as well as regular visits to the dental hygienist or periodontist.
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