Oral health, mother's health important for child Published May 1, 2007 By Dr. (Capt.) Jesse Harris 354th Medical Operations Squadron dental officer EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- It has long been known that before, during, and after pregnancy it's commonplace for women to attend routine checkups with their physician. The mother's health is very important for the ultimate health of their child. As for dental checkups, often times, a mother's oral health is overlooked or put on hold for fear of damage to the fetus. Research concerning the correlation between periodontal health, i.e. the gums, and health of the fetus has taken off over the past 25 years. Today, there is growing evidence to support the concept that infections in the gums may indeed play a role in miscarriage, premature birth and inhibition in the development and growth of the unborn child. Numerous studies have been performed over the years on mice, rabbits, and humans where the subjects were placed in two categories: those with untreated periodontal disease and those who were treated. The subjects who were seen for routine checkups with the dentist and who were treated for periodontal disease while pregnant only gave birth early one to four percent of the time. In those who went untreated, preterm birth occurred in 10 to 15 percent of the subjects. There are two new major studies underway: the Obstetrics and Periodontal Therapy Study at the University of Minnesota and Maternal Oral Therapy to Reduce Obstetric Risk at University of North Carolina. Both studies should ultimately prove whether or not gum disease can lead to complications during pregnancy. In the mean time, women should concern themselves with maintaining the highest standards in oral health care before, during and after pregnancy-- not only for the health of the baby but themselves as well. Just the other day I had a patient in the chair diagnosed with a small cavity in one of her molars over two years ago. Treatment was delayed due to pregnancy and now she's to receive a root canal where two years ago a small filling would have sufficed. So if you're thinking of having children please stop by the dental clinic for a checkup to make sure there are no potential complications that can be easily avoided with early treatment. And if you're already pregnant, anticipate some swelling of the gums--but please don't interrupt routine dental checkups. We will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your unborn child. And as always, if you have any questions at all, please stop by the dental clinic.