Continue Caring for Your Teeth and Gums

As I mentioned earlier, periodontal disease and preterm birth has been examined and the results have indicated that treating periodontal disease during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of preterm birth. The American Academy of Periodontology released a statement January 30, 2009 urging pregnancy women to continue treating and caring for their oral health during pregnancy. The academy insists that more research is necessary to "clarify the potential impact that periodontal disease has on the risk of preterm births; and if needed, what periodontal treatment modalities are most effective in helping to prevent premature deliveries."

Despite these findings, gum disease has been proven to lead to other adverse health complications, such as heart disease. A healthy Mother is essential to the wellbeing of her children. Anything you can do to prevent gum disease will only contribute to your overall health and wellness; pregnant or not.

With the start of The American Dental Associations "National Children's Dental Health Month", pregnant women should consider the oral hygiene routine necessary for infants, to prevent potentially painful conditions such as thrush and baby bottle tooth decay. When women consider their own oral hygiene during pregnancy, it may help initiate an oral hygiene routine for the newest addition to their family.