Gum Disease Connected to Complications of Pregnancy

A recent study, published in the Journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, shows that the implications of gum disease may not be limited to dental issues alone. It appears that gum disease also raises the chances for a pregnant woman to develop preeclampsia, a very serious condition. Symptoms of this condition can include a sudden increases of high blood pressure that in turn, can lead to eclampsia which can cause seizures in the end stages of pregnancy, or following delivery. In some cases, eclampsia can damage organs and can even result in death.

The results of the studies are too early for public health personnel to make a definitive, broad statement which definitely establishes the link, but they are comfortable enough with the test results to offer a general warning to obstetricians about including dental care and oral health in the medical intake fo4rms for patients who are, or who are trying to become pregnant.

Interestingly, medical professionals aren’t totally of the reason for the connection between gum disease and the development of preeclampsia, but feel that it is likely that inflamed gums may lead to inflammation elsewhere in the body, which in turn could result in placental abnormalities that bring on preeclampsia. There also is a theory that bacteria in gum disease may travel into the blood vessels of the placenta or of the uterus and damage them. Lastly, there is a theory that periodontal disease is a marker for some maternal characteristic that make pregnant women more disposed to preeclampsia.

Studies will, no doubt continue, to determine more definitely what the causes and what the connection are. In the meantime, obstetricians and gynecologists are being mindful of including dental conditions and history especially with pregnant patients.