Linda – The Probiotics Tooth Fairy

Whether your toothbrush is pink after brushing or you bleed when flossing, be sure to mention it to your dentist. Bleeding gums is one of the first signs of gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums due to a buildup of plaque. Gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease.

A recent study led by a periodontal researcher from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine has found that treating periodontal disease in women before the end of their first trimester can help prevent premature delivery.

Even if an infant or child is already infected with S. mutans, transmission can increase the concentration of bacteria in the infant’s or child’s mouth, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay or resulting in more severe decay.

The main oral-health concern for pregnant women is periodontal disease. The presence of periodontal disease, an infection of the gums and bones in the mouth, can lead to premature birth. According to a five-year study conducted by the University of North Carolina, pregnant women with moderate to severe periodontal disease are up to seven times more likely to deliver a premature baby with a low birth weight.

There are several dental health issues to be aware of during pregnancy, not the least of which is periodontal disease, according to the American Dental Association. Expecting women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely than those with healthy gums to have a baby that is born too early and too small. More research is required to pinpoint the exact link, but it is thought that harmful bacteria permeate the enflamed gum tissue more easily than they do healthy gum tissue.