FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, October 19, 1997
CONTACT:
Chris Martin
Jann Ingmire
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202/371-4509
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312/440-2806
Is a Trip to the Dentist Necessary for Moms-To-Be?
WASHINGTON -- Should a dental check-up be part of the "to-do" list for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy? Yes, says Barbara J. Steinberg, D.D.S., of Philadelphia, who will address the special issues of female dental patients on October 19 and 20 at the American Dental Association's (ADA) 138th Annual Session in Washington, D.C. Dr. Steinberg says pregnant women shouldn't stay away from the dentist as some believe. "Women who are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy should schedule a dental appointment to make sure their gums are in good shape," Dr. Steinberg advises. "If there is any sign of gum disease, they should make sure to get it treated before they deliver their baby." A study published last year in The Journal of Periodontology reported that researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill discovered a possible association between periodontal (gum) disease and the premature delivery of low-birth-weight babies. The researchers found that women with gum disease and no other known risk factors were more likely to deliver low-birth-weight babies.
Dr. Steinberg says although this is just one study, it raises the possibility that gum disease may be a risk factor for delivering low-birth-weight, pre-term babies. "The good news is that this is something that's totally preventable. Premature births have many causes, and now we may have a new culprit -- gum disease," Dr. Steinberg says. "But, we know gum disease is something we can take care of early on, so a woman doesn't have to risk delivering a low-birth-weight, pre-term baby." She thinks the next step is education. "We need to educate women to go see their dentist if they are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant. Then we need to educate physicians about this possible link. Dental care should be included as part of the pre-natal care a woman receives," Dr. Steinberg stresses. Good oral hygiene habits can play a part in the prevention of gum disease. Brushing and flossing or cleaning between the teeth each day along with regular dental check-ups are important components for anyone's well-being. Dr. Steinberg's presentation at the ADA's scientific meeting will focus on the different stages of a woman's life and the effect hormonal changes have on women's oral health.
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