Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can keep any expectant mother on her toes. Choosing from a baffling array of baby gear, reading parenting guides, and of course making routine visits to her ob/gyn give most moms-to-be little time to think about visiting the dentist.
But the findings of a new study from the University of North Carolina give pregnant women an excellent reason to make a visit to the dentist top priority.
New Study Links Gum Disease and Preeclampsia
By Dr. Helaine Smith
In a new study by the University of North Carolina, researchers have linked gum disease in pregnant women with preeclampsia -- a serious pregnancy complication that leads to high blood pressure, premature delivery, and in some cases even the death of the mother and/or child.
According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, the disease affects 5-8% of all pregnancies, and is particularly likely to affect women who are pregnant for the first time, and women over 40 years of age.
According to research lead investigator, Dr. Michael Ruma, speaking to Reuters Health, "Maternal periodontal (gum) disease clearly contributes to an increased risk of preeclampsia, and our results demonstrate that this risk is further increased in the presence of elevated systemic inflammation.”
You can read the study abstract at the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Website (April 2008 issue).
If you're a woman and planning on getting pregnant or have recently become pregnant, I urge you to see your dental professional in order to determine if you have periodontal disease.
According to my colleague, Dr. Carlos Abboud, a periodontal specialist, over 30% of those with the disease have a severe form of it. You can also download my e-book, Healthy Mouth, Healthy Sex!, for more information about how your oral health affects your physical and sexual health.
Smile Makeover Gives Sam a New Outlook on Life
When Sam visited my office, he was very depressed about his smile. Sam had 15 missing congenital permanent teeth and his bite was over-closed. His smile definitely did not match his intelligence and good looks.
Because he wasn’t a good candidate for implants, Sam’s treatment plan included full mouth rehabilitation using Zirconia bridges and Empress MAC veneers. (My ceramist from Micro Dental, Joy, deserves a lot of credit for this case. She did a great job.)
Once his new smile was in place, Sam made fast changes to his life. He stopped smoking, got his haircut, and updated his Facebook profile! Even better, he now smiles with his eyes opened.
Whether you need to whiten your smile or want to replace old crowns and bridges, I can help you. To learn more about my cosmetic dentistry services, visit my Website where you'll find "Before and After" photographs, detailed information about my services, and a beautiful 3D tour of my Boston dental spa. Or, feel free to call Mary, our office concierge, to set up your private consultation:
By phone: 617.327.1350
Through our Website: www.helainesmithdmd.com
Email: helainesmithdmd@aol.com
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