What's behind it?
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the gums caused by a disrupted biofilm – a layer of bacteria on the teeth. Pathogenic mechanisms of bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis cause inflammation and can attack the gums and jawbone. If left untreated, this not only leads to bleeding gums and tooth loss, but also affects your overall health .
Why is it relevant?
When you're pregnant, your hormone levels change. Your gums become more sensitive, more prone to inflammation, and bleed more easily – dentists refer to this as pregnancy gingivitis . If left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis (Raju & Berens, 2021).
Why is this problematic? Inflammatory mediators and bacteria can reach the placenta via the bloodstream. Research shows that this may be associated with an increased risk of premature birth and lower birth weight (Xiong et al., 2006).
Scientific background
Researchers have discovered that bacteria such as P. gingivalis can trigger inflammation in the placenta . This inflammation leads to increased production of prostaglandins —the body's own messenger substances that regulate inflammation and stimulate uterine contractions. Excessive prostaglandin production can thus trigger premature labor (Ao et al., 2015). According to a study by Offenbacher et al. (1996), women with severe periodontitis had up to a seven times higher risk of premature birth.
Practical tips for everyday life
- ✓ Have your gums checked – before or at the latest at the beginning of pregnancy (Thomson et al., 2010; Blosser et al., 2023).
- ✓ Thorough oral hygiene : brush teeth twice daily, use dental floss or interdental brushes (Chapple et al., 2015).
- ✓ Regularly undergo professional dental cleaning (PZR) to reduce the bacterial load in the mouth (Sanz et al., 2015).
- ✓ Pay attention to warning signs: Bleeding gums, bad breath or swelling are a clear sign – then you should go to the dentist immediately.
At a glance
ⓘ Periodontitis can promote premature births .
ⓘ Healthy gums not only protect your teeth, but also your baby .
Sources
- Ao, M., Miyauchi, M., Furusho, H., et al. (2015). Dental infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis induces preterm birth in mice. PLOS ONE, 10 (8), e0137249. link
- Blosser CC, Bybel MDO, Christy AMDMHSCR, et al. (2023). Management of pregnancy: VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for the management of pregnancy.
- Chapple IL, Van der Weijden F, Doerfer C, et al. (2015). Primary prevention of periodontitis: Managing gingivitis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 42 (Suppl 16), S71–S76. link
- German Society of Periodontology (DG PARO). Guidelines on Periodontitis & Pregnancy.
- Offenbacher, S., Katz, V., Fertik, G., Collins, J., Boyd, D., Maynor, G., McKaig, R., & Beck, J. (1996). Periodontal infection as a possible risk factor for preterm low birth weight. link
- Raju, K., & Berens, L. (2021). Periodontology and pregnancy: An overview of biomedical and epidemiological evidence. link
- Sanz, M., Bäumer, A., Buduneli, N., et al. (2015). Effect of professional mechanical plaque removal on secondary prevention of periodontitis. link
- Thomson, WM, Williams, SM, Broadbent, JM, Poulton, R., & Locker, D. (2010). Long-term dental visiting patterns and adult oral health. link
- Xiong, X., Buekens, P., Fraser, W.D., Beck, J., & Offenbacher, S. (2006). Periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. link
