Expectant mothers with poor oral hygiene and gum disease are actually increasing the risk of giving birth to premature and underweight babies.
Recent studies show that infection in the mouth can interfere with the development of the unborn child and lead to premature labour. The bacteria don’t directly attack the baby but retard foetal growth by releasing toxins into the mother’s bloodstream which reach the placenta. In addition, gum disease stimulates the mother’s body to produce inflammatory chemicals, which can cause the cervix to dilate and set off uterine contractions.
When you have periodontal (gum) disease, eating an apple or brushing your teeth can release bacteria and their toxins into your bloodstream!
Research concluded that after taking other possible causes into account, the risk of having a premature baby of low birthweight was at least 7.5 times higher for women with severe gum disease!
