Routine gum treatments do not reduce the risk of early delivery in pregnant women with periodontal disease, according to a new study by researchers from Duke University Medical Center and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
It was earlier found that gum disease was associated with very preterm deliveries (defined as less than 32 weeks gestation), which led insurance policies and healthcare providers to recommend scaling and root planing, sometimes referred to as "deep cleaning," in pregnant women.
Tooth Decay - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Tooth decay in toddlers, children and adults, also called dental caries, is a bacterial infection causing demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth.
Tooth decay in toddlers, children and adults, also called dental caries, is a bacterial infection causing demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth.
However, the new findings, based on a randomized trial of 1,800 pregnant women with periodontal disease, indicate that routine gum treatments do not reduce the risk of early delivery.
"I’m always asked whether we should mandate dental treatment for all pregnant women. The biggest implication of this study is that this level of standard periodontal care will not affect the birth outcome," said Amy Murtha, MD, director of obstetrics research at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC.
Tooth Discoloration Introduction
Tooth discoloration or staining is caused commonly due to smoking, some medicines and poor dental hygiene.
Tooth discoloration or staining is caused commonly due to smoking, some medicines and poor dental hygiene.
"Our study emphasizes that treating periodontal disease during pregnancy is safe, but that standard periodontal care is not enough," said Murtha.
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Bleeding Gums - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Bleeding gums is a condition in which blood leaks from the gums and the spaces between the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the causes of bleeding gums which result in pain and swollen gums.
Bleeding gums is a condition in which blood leaks from the gums and the spaces between the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the causes of bleeding gums which result in pain and swollen gums.
The bacterial infection attacks the teeth-supporting tissues below the gum line. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss as well as a host of other problems.
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Teeth Chart
Do you know how many canines or molar teeth you have and what is their function? Find out from this interactive calculator.
Do you know how many canines or molar teeth you have and what is their function? Find out from this interactive calculator.
Overall, no significant differences were reported regarding obstetric or neonatal outcomes when the two groups were compared.
Despite the findings, Murtha said much remains unknown about the relationship between the two conditions.
"Periodontal disease and poor pregnancy outcomes travel together, but we don’t know why."
Nor do researchers understand how or why pregnancy appears to jumpstart the onset and progression of the disease.
Murtha added that it might be that a more aggressive approach to periodontal disease management could have a different outcome.
He presented the findings at the annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in San Diego.
Source-ANI
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