Oral Bacteria Can Cause Premature Deliveries

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology finds that there is a link between oral bacteria and pre-term deliveries and low birth weight.

The study was conducted with 297 low-income and predominantly African-American women in Alabama who were pregnant for the first time and found that those with high levels of certain oral bacteria had an increased risk of delivering prematurely and having babies with low birth weights. While such bacteria has been previously linked to pneumonia, heart disease, and diabetes, scientists say the new link between gum disease and pre-term delivery is the “strongest” to date. The study’s lead researcher says pregnant women should be encouraged to regularly visit a dentist and maintain good oral hygiene

To find out more, read the study:
Moreu, Gerardo, Téllez, Luís & González-Jaranay, Maximino (2005) Relationship between maternal periodontal disease and low-birth-weight pre-term infants. Journal Of Clinical Periodontology 32 (6), 622-627.