kwillia
n/a
Brush your teeth to protect your baby...
Previous research has shown that periodontal disease may be a factor in preterm low birthweight babies. Now, researchers at New York University believe that bacteria commonly found in dental plaque may also be related.
Researchers evaluated bacteria in the saliva of about 300 women in their third trimester of pregnancy. They found that a higher salivary level of a specific bacteria is associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery, while higher levels of a different bacteria during pregnancy positively affected the birthweight.
Dr. Ananda Dasanayake, one of the researchers, said the findings correspond theories suggesting that oral bacteria and the molecules the body produces to fight them can enter the uterus through the blood stream and can possibly influence the delivery process.
Researchers believe future studies should focus on bacteria not related to the mouth.
"Future studies should evaluate both oral bacteria and bacteria that are not related to periodontal diseases to better understand this potential important link between periodontal status and prematurity," Iacono said in a news release.
Previous research has shown that periodontal disease may be a factor in preterm low birthweight babies. Now, researchers at New York University believe that bacteria commonly found in dental plaque may also be related.
Researchers evaluated bacteria in the saliva of about 300 women in their third trimester of pregnancy. They found that a higher salivary level of a specific bacteria is associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery, while higher levels of a different bacteria during pregnancy positively affected the birthweight.
Dr. Ananda Dasanayake, one of the researchers, said the findings correspond theories suggesting that oral bacteria and the molecules the body produces to fight them can enter the uterus through the blood stream and can possibly influence the delivery process.
Researchers believe future studies should focus on bacteria not related to the mouth.
"Future studies should evaluate both oral bacteria and bacteria that are not related to periodontal diseases to better understand this potential important link between periodontal status and prematurity," Iacono said in a news release.
I'm sure she brushes twice a day and flosses every morning, like everyone does.
