YOUR UNHEALTHY MOUTH CAN LEAD TO PROBLEMS FOR YOUR UNBORN CHILD
Researchers have now linked bacteria from a mother's mouth can and does transfer to the blood of the unborn fetus. Many times, pregnant mothers avoid the dental office during pregnancy due to fear that the dental treatment can affect her unborn baby, but now it appears that the opposite is true. By not getting the treatment that you need during pregnancy can possibly affect your unborn.
Case studies now show that if there are untreated conditions in the pregnant mother's mouth, the harmful bacteria present can actually cross through the amniotic fluid and be ingested by the unborn baby. In a recent study, a preterm birth of 39 weeks, 5 days that was a still-born proved that the bacteria that the mother had in her mouth was present in the unborn baby's lungs and stomach. The mother, unknowingly had avoided dental treatment that involved periodontal care. After the stillborn birth, cultures were taken from the fetus and compared to the bacteria captured by the mother's periodontist after her delivery. The mother was frantic to find the cause of her baby's still-born birth. Upon evaluation, the bacteria found in the lungs and heart was the same the periodontist found in the mother's mouth!
The wisest thing to do is if you are considering having a child; you need to have a full dental examination prior to conception. If you need treatment, try to complete the treatment before the conception occurs, but if you find yourself already pregnant and have dental concerns---GET TREATED!
Bleeding gums, soreness present upon chewing, bad breath, or any mouth pain needs to be checked out BEFORE pregnancy! Please call our office should you have more questions, or need immediate attention!
