Gum care doesn't curb preterm delivery

Several studies have suggested that gum disease among pregnant women raises the risk of preterm birth, growth retardation and other complications and it was thought that treating gum disease may potentially reduce these risks. But recent research says this is not true.

The study showed that a standard dental visit to provide periodontal care during pregnancy does not impact pregnancy outcomes, nor does it stop maternal gum problems during pregnancy.

Researchers drew their conclusion from a study involving 1806 pregnant American women with periodontal (gum) disease, all of whom were receiving standard obstetric care. The women were randomised to receive up to four sessions of gum care before the 24th week of pregnancy or after delivery.

It was found that the rates of preterm delivery were no different in the two groups. Preterm delivery rates were roughly 13 percent in the women who made the four trips to the dentist and nearly 12 percent in those that did not.

That's not to say pregnant women should not get their teeth cleaned and treated as needed; they should. Worsening of gum disease is seen in about 25 percent of pregnancies. The bacterial infection attacks the teeth-supporting tissues below the gum line and left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss as well as a host of other problems. The researchers emphasized that treating gum disease during pregnancy is safe but does not alter the rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, or fetal growth restriction.