Pregnancy and peridontal disease: a link ?

Although it may seem improbable, a possible link between infection in the gums of pregnant women and a more than sevenfold increase in premature delivery of low birth weight babies has been revealed in a research study conducted by Dr. Steven Offenbacher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The study suggests that untreated periodontal disease may account for a large share of premature births for which no other explanation can be found. Low birth weight is a major public health problem in the US, contributing substantially to infant mortality and childhood handicaps. Today in the United States, 10 percent of new-borns are termed as being low birth weight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces), and these infants account for five million neonatal intensive care unit days per year, at an annual cost of more than $5 billion. This new study explains how periodontal disease might interfere with the development of an unborn child and lead to premature labour. Rather than directly attacking the foetus, the periodontal pathogens appear to retard foetal growth by releasing toxins into the bloodstream that reach the placenta and interfere with foetal development. The periodontal disease also stimulates the production of inflammatory chemicals that are similar to those used to induce abortion, that can cause the cervix to dilate and set off uterine contractions. The authors hasten to add that periodontal disease is not the cause for preterms birth, but must be considered as a contributing factor. Other contributing factors for low birth weight babies include tobacco use, drug use, alcohol consumption, level of prenatal care, nutrition, genitourinary infection and parity. The researchers read more