There are so many reasons your oral health shouldn’t be taken for granted. To Presidential Dental Group, dentistry in Washington DC isn’t just about keeping your mouth healthy and beautiful. The human body is a wondrous thing, and research has already linked many health concerns such as heart attack and certain cancers to gum disease. New research has now led to a possible link between gum disease and fertility complications, particularly in women.
This new research has found that women suffering from complications of gum disease may take up to two months longer to become pregnant than women without periodontal troubles. The severe form of gum disease, called periodontal disease, is an inflammatory infection of the gums. If left untreated, the bacteria that causes this infection of the mouth can enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc on the rest of the body. These studies concluded that women with periodontal disease took an average of 7 months to become pregnant, while women with no periodontal concerns averaged 5 months.
For any woman thinking of becoming pregnant, it’s recommended that good oral hygiene, including regular dental checkups, is maintained before and during pregnancy. In a case where a woman is already pregnant, more frequent dental checkups may be suggested in order to treat and prevent gum disease. Not only are these new findings a concern for women trying to conceive, it has long been known that women suffering from periodontal concerns are at a higher risk for preterm delivery and low birth-weight babies.
One of the first steps to beginning your new family begins with caring for yourself and being certain that your health is in the best condition possible. At Presidential Dental Group, we offer cosmetic and general dentistry to Washington DC families. Call to schedule your exam today.
