PRE-TERM BIRTH RELATED TO PERIODONTITIS

Catie King Jacquieline Shadden Heather Waddell

WHAT IS PERIODONTITIS?
Periodontal disease is inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissues. Periodontis is a disease that attacks the gum and bone surrounding the tooth. It is a

type of periodontal disease.

HOW PERIODONTITIS WORKS

Bacterial plaque is left on the teeth and causes inflammation of the gingiva. When gingivitis is left untreated it turns into periodontitis.

Pockets form around the teeth because of the apical migration of

the junctional epithelium. The teeth become loose when the bacteria spreads closer and closer to the alveolar bone and it recedes along with the connective

tissue.

WHAT IS PRE-TERM BIRTH?

Pre-term birth is the birth of a baby of less than 37 weeks gestational age.

PRE-TERM BIRTH FACTS

Pre-term birth affects nearly half a million babies, each year, that equals to be about 1 in 8 babies born in the United States. Pre-term birth is also a leading cause in long-term neurological disabilities in children. Recent studies have suggested that Periodontal disease may be an independent risk factor for pre-term babies with a low

birth weight.

PERIODONTITIS AND PRE -TERM BIRTH

30-50% of all pre-term and low birth weight babies are a result of infections. Research shows that the inflammation causing bacteria in the gingiva can travel to the fetus by way of the bloodstream.

PERIODONTITIS AND PRE -TERM BIRTH

One possible mechanism begins with endotoxins resulting from Gramnegative bacterial infections (such as periodontal disease). These endotoxins stimulate the production of cytokines and prostaglandins (IL-1,

IL-6, and TNF-) and in appropriate quantities stimulate labor,[5] and

proinflammatory mediators may cross the placenta barrier and cause fetal toxicity resulting in preterm delivery and low-birth-weight babies.[7] High concentrations of these cytokines, in pregnant women, are responsible for rupture of the uterine membranes causing premature birth and retardation.

ORAL HEALTH FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Oral hygiene instruction is key!
Proper brushing and flossing are very important.

The use of fluoride toothpaste and alcohol rise containing fluoride is encouraged. Sugar is to be avoided so as to reduce plaque buildup.

ORAL HEALTH FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Carious lesions and restorations should be taken care of immediately. This can help to reduce the bacteria in the mouth. Chewing xylitol gum is useful in keeping the mouth from drying out which contributes to caries. The sharing of food and eating utensils is discouraged. This

hopefully will keep oral bacteria from spreading.

REFERENCES
http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/preterm birth.htm http://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-68/issue-3/165.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217279/
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