Now just say ahhh...the link between oral health and reproductive health

Pregnant women and women who are currently trying to conceive were shaken by a recent report  confirming  the death and delivery of a still born baby, carried by an unnamed 35 year old woman with gingivitis The baby was delivered  in the 39th week of the woman's pregnancy.  The typical gestation period for pregnancy is 40 weeks.  The cause of miscarriage was confirmed to be oral bacteria in the mother's mouth that had traveled to the baby's bloodstream, lungs and stomach.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is reversible if identified and treated shortly after onset.  Symptoms include puffy red and swollen gums that bleed easily.  If not treated gingivitis can progress into a more serious and irreversible form of gum disease known as periodontitis, although that had not as yet happened in this particular case.  

According to periodontist Dr. David Scharf, "Periodontal disease can have adverse effects on the developing fetus, and periodontal organisms might even be associated with preeclampsia.  In addition, women with periodontal disease are at a greater risk for low birth weight and preterm labor.  This is due to the fact that bacteria from the mouth can enter the blood stream through the gums if they are inflamed.  The amount of bacteria that can enter the blood stream is dependent upon the level of inflammation.  If the woman's oral hygiene is poor, she runs the risk of allowing an ever increasing amount of bacteria to invade the rest of her body, potentially causing sepsis, or massive infection, to her fetus".

Dr. Scharf also recommends that a dental regimen be maintained before and during pregnancy that includes cleaning between the teeth with floss, as well as treating any existing tooth decay, and completing dental work which is currently in progress. 

The U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services advises women to have a dental checkup every 6 months prior to pregnancy.  In the event that you conceive and have not had a dental check up recently, it is important that you do so now.  However, your dentist will most likely forgo the taking of x-rays.  Having dental treatment done during pregnancy is safe, and clearly beneficial, although this is not the time to pursue cosmetic alterations, such as bleaching or laminates.

Your oral health will benefit from many of the same protocols that support your overall health prior to pregnancy.  These include eating a wide variety of healthy foods, avoiding sugary or starchy foods and eliminating smoking from your life.  Soda, both diet and regular, contain acids that erode tooth enamel and should not be part of any woman's daily intake.

When  women are trying to get pregnant they often push their typical health care regimens aside.  This is particularly true for those who are actively pursuing infertility treatment, which can include daily doctor's visits that are both time consuming, exhausting and expensive.  It is easy to understand this attitude; you are being poked and prodded, getting blood tests, sonograms, and daily injections of medications. The thought of one more doctor's visit, particularly one not associated with your quest to conceive,  can seem daunting or even unnecessary.  However, It is imperative that you continue to take care of yourself as a whole person during this time, not just as a potential mother.  And clearly, this attitude will support the health and well being of your future baby as well.