Most cases of long-term childhood disability begin as low birth weight infants. The social and emotional costs associated with premature infants are also staggering. Researchers estimate that 18 percent of these premature births may be related to infectious oral disease in pregnant women. If periodontal disease in pregnant women were eliminated, the number of low-weight babies could be reduced by approximately 45,000 in the U.S. Maternal infection has been linked to preterm birth. Actually, any infection during pregnancy can cause a disturbance in the levels of maternal hormones and cytokines.
Labor begins when there is a sudden change in the mother's internal regulatory system.
A periodontal infection will accelerate the production of these chemical mediators, and can trigger a premature delivery. Pregnant women should therefore observe meticulous oral hygiene, and should keep their normal dental checkup schedule. Maintaining good oral health during pregnancy will help produce a healthy, happy baby. A recent article in Periodontology 2000 reviewed the various risk factors for preterm low birth weight. The article also described the mechanisms by which periodontal disease in pregnant women may cause preterm delivery.