A Link Between Periodontal Disease and Premature Birth
The dental experts at Smile in the City are not only here to improve your dental health, but we’re concerned about your overall health and attitude, as well. The health of your teeth can affect your entire body, and can even have effects on your children.
According to a March article from BusinessWeek.com, successful periodontal treatment for pregnant women who suffer from gum disease may reduce the chances of giving birth early. Evidence has linked periodontal disease with premature births, and a new study by experts at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and Washington University in St. Louis revealed that pregnant women with gum disease who receive successful treatment are less likely to have premature babies.
After studying 872 women, 160 of which who were treated for gum disease, the results showed that 7 percent of women who did not have gum disease gave birth prematurely, compared to 23.4 percent of women with gum disease who gave birth early. Women with failed periodontal treatment were also more likely to give birth early.
What does this mean for you? Take care of your teeth!
Whether you are pregnant or not, flossing and brushing on a regular basis will not only make your teeth strong, healthy and beautiful, but you’ll be healthier all-around. Visiting your dentist regularly can help catch dental problems early on, before they become serious concerns. Your diet can also affect your dental health – try to cut back on frequent snacking and sweets to reduce the chances of tooth decay.
If you have periodontal disease, contact Smile in the City right away at (212) 203-0875, and set up an appointment for our effective and advanced laser periodontal treatment. As experts in laser dentistry, New York periodontal specialists at Smile in the City can improve your smile without the painful drills and long healing periods of traditional periodontal treatment.
To read the entire article about the link between periodontal disease and premature births, visit BusinessWeek.com.
