Health concerns after bacteria present in mother’s mouth found in stillborn baby
PREGNANT WOMEN have been warned not to ignore dental problems following the case of an unnamed woman with the common gum disease gingivitis who delivered a stillborn baby at 39 weeks.
Doctors were able to trace the oral bacteria in the 35-year-old mother’s mouth to bacteria found in the baby’s bloodstream, lungs and stomach.
The research was carried out by microbiologist Yiping Han in the Department of Periodontics at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, Ohio.
The findings, published in the February issue of Obstetrics Gynecology, suggest that any disruption to the amniotic fluid could present a risk to both mother and baby – making the infection from gum disease a real risk.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have also found that bacteria from a woman’s mouth could be transferred through blood and amniotic fluid to her child while still in the womb.
The bacteria can cause potentially serious problems including premature birth, low birth weight, premature contractions and infection. While the researchers could not explain the cause of many pregnancy complications, they believe good oral hygiene can help to reduce the risks.
Gingivitis, a reversible inflammatory condition of the gingival tissues, is characterised by redness of the gum tissues, bleeding, tenderness and sensitivity.
Periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease, results in the loss of the tooth’s supporting structures and surrounding bone, and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Periodontist Dr Paul Quinlan says that we need to treat certain findings with caution. “There is evidence that periodontal disease may play a role in causing pre-term and low birth weight babies.
“The most likely cause for this occurrence is the release by oral bacteria of a compound called prostaglandin. High levels of this ‘labour-inducing’ chemical has been found in women with severe periodontal disease,” he says.
However, he adds that while the research continues there is no consensus. “The link between early term and low birth weight babies and periodontal disease is not conclusively proven. If we put it in context, most people will have some evidence of inflammation in their mouths,” he says.
Researchers are also looking at links between gum disease, heart disease, strokes and diabetes,” adds Quinlan.
Dentist Denis Daly says the recent dental health cuts mean that the benefits of the twice-yearly cleaning will be lost as people neglect their oral healthcare.
“There is a huge benefit to the health of the country by improving dental health,” he says.
“There is even a proven link between pneumonia and plaque bacteria as the bacteria builds up and is inhaled into the lungs.”
Dental hygienists advise on brushing and ensuring that the teeth are kept clean, especially along the gum line. It is important for a dentist to know if a patient is pregnant since X-rays, dental anaesthetics, pain medications and antibiotics are best avoided.
Regular check-ups with the dentist and dental hygienist during pregnancy can prevent dental problems from occurring.
Cravings and hunger during pregnancy can mean that women snack more frequently and indulge in sweet treats.
Tooth decay can be prevented by brushing the teeth after eating snacks and by limiting the snacks eaten between meals. It is recommended that sweet treats should be eaten following a meal rather than in between meals.
Many women suffer from nausea and vomiting during their pregnancy which can have a detrimental effect on the teeth. Repeated vomiting can cause acid damage to the teeth’s enamel.
“Pregnant women often have inflamed gums and although they may not have more plaque than normal, they may be more susceptible to the effects of plaque and can experience bleeding and swelling of the gums,” says Quinlan.
“The old wives’ tale of losing a tooth for every baby is probably directly linked to gum disease but it doesn’t have to be so. If pregnant women floss and brush well, they should have no problems.”
Good oral health during pregnancy is important to the overall health of both expectant mothers and their babies.
“By looking after your teeth and gums in a positive way, people can play a role in their own oral care and reduce the risk of future dental problems,” says Quinlan.
