RISK FACTORS
In a healthy body there is a balance between the host and the bacteria that live with the host. Harmless bacteria reside in many areas in the body including the mouth, skin, eyes, and stomach. Under certain circumstances, harmful bacteria can take up residence and lead to infection and diseased tissues. Periodontal diseases are infections with particular groups of bacteria at the gum line.
HORMONAL
Other health issues such as hormonal problems, particularly thyroid hormone and progesterone, can affect the periodontal tissues and their response to dental plaque. Women with a genetic susceptibility to gum disease may experience very rapid bone loss during pregnancy as one of the suspect bacteria thrives on progesterone. There are other potential risk factors such as osteoporosis, stress and malnutrition and obviously some factors that we have not discovered yet. Overall periodontal disease is closely linked to a person’s general health, which can leave us more susceptible to the infection at various times in our lives.
The Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) at King Edward Memorial hospital in Perth is conducting a large study on pre-term low birth weight babies and a possible link with periodontal disease in their mothers. Pregnant women are being treated comprehensively for periodontal disease to see if that can reduce the risk of preterm labour.
The so-called “Smile Study” is a study on pre-term low birth weight babies and a possible link with periodontal disease. Women are being treated comprehensively for periodontal disease to see if that can reduce the risk of preterm labour.
For more information on Smile Study please click here.
