7 Ways Your Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health

besthealthmag.ca

4. Oral health, pregnancy and your baby

Studies show that pregnant women with progressive gum disease are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, deliver preterm or have a low-birth-weight baby.

Regular checkups with a dentist and hygienist become even more important during pregnancy. There are ongoing studies examining whether pregnant women with poor oral health may be at higher risk of delivering preterm, low birth weight babies than pregnant women with good oral health.

Babies born preterm or with a low birth weight have a higher risk of complications including developmental problems, asthma, ear infections, birth abnormalities, behavioral difficulties and may have a higher risk of infant death. Women who are pregnant should take extra care to keep their teeth at their best, not just for themselves, but for their babies too.