Pregnancy is a biological phase in a woman’s life accompanied by intense hormonal changes
The rise in female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, directly affects the periodont, since the gums possess estrogen and progesterone receptors.
This way, existing inflammations of the gums (bleeding gums) can be exacerbated or more easily triggered during pregnancy. Recent studies show that if periodontitis goes untreated, this can be a risk factor leading to premature birth, and should thus be treated as soon as possible.
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In periodontitis, various bacterial substances are released from the gums. These substances cause our immune system to release greater numbers of antibodies – called cytokines.
Amniotic fluid has been shown to contain cytokines, and there is a connection between the rise in cytokines and premature contractions.
Experiments on golden hamsters have shown that certain cytokines for gram-negative bacteria can, depending on dosage, lead to lower birth weight and even birth defects!
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Nowadays we know that periodontitis can make the risk of premature birth 7.5 times higher.
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Moreover, studies indicate a connection between periodontitis and premature babies with low birth weight.
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There is a trend towards non-surgical periodontitis treatment, which has been shown to have a positive effect on the course of pregnancy.
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Source: 2009_ paro_schwangerschaft (perio pregnancy)
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