Want a baby? Take good care of your gums
July 6th, 2011 - 7:11 pm ICT by IANSLondon, July 6 (IANS) Women who want to have a baby should take good care of their teeth, because gum disease could delay your chances of conceiving, say experts.
Women with gum disease took an extra two months to get pregnant compared with those who had healthy teeth and gums, the Daily Mail reported Wednesday quoting a study.
It took around seven months on average for those with poor oral hygiene to conceive, but just five months for those who brushed and flossed their teeth properly, the Mail said citing the study.
Gum disease - or periodontal disease in its severe form - is caused by a build-up of plaque. It leads to bad breath and bleeding gums and, if untreated, causes cavities, receding gums and tooth loss.
It is not clear how gum disease may trigger problems with conceiving, but infected gums may release inflammatory chemicals, which activate the immune system and inflame the lining of the womb. This could affect implantation of a fertilised egg, according to the study carried out at the University of Western Australia in Perth.
“For the first time periodontal disease has been linked with inability to conceive,” lead researcher Roger Hart said.
“Women should be encouraged to see their dentist to have any gum disease treated before trying for a baby,” she said.
- Postmenopausal women urged to increase yearly dental checkups - Mar 11, 2011
- Flossing cuts risk of heart attack - Nov 09, 2010
- New treatment to banish gum disease in 5 hours - Sep 26, 2010
- Mothers' oral hygiene affects child's health - May 18, 2010
- Gum-disease linked to preterm births - Sep 16, 2010
- 80 percent of Delhi residents have dental ailments - Dec 07, 2010
- Parents play vital role in maintaining child's oral health - May 18, 2010
- Over 50 percent Indians suffer from tooth problems: Survey - Nov 27, 2010
- Dental cleanings reduce heart attack risk - Nov 14, 2011
- Women with gum disease likely to have premature babies - Mar 18, 2010
- Fresh Gel That Regenerates A Tooth Could Signify The Termination Of Excruciating Fillings - Jun 29, 2010
- Tooth regeneration gel could make painful fillings history - Jun 29, 2010
- Fighting gum disease easier when fat cells disappear - Nov 10, 2011
- Dental facelift can make you look 10 years younger - Dec 13, 2010
- Scientists link gum inflammation to Alzheimer's - Aug 04, 2010
Tags: bad breath, bleeding gums, cavities, daily mail, fertilised egg, five months, gum disease, healthy teeth and gums, implantation, infected gums, periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene, receding gums, roger hart, seven months, teeth and gums, tooth loss, trying for a baby, university of western australia, womb