Several obstetrician-gynecologists have recognized the significance of obtaining routine dental care during pregnancy and the positive impact of treating the disease to enhance pregnancy outcome. Periodontal Disease: Periodontal diseases basically consist of a group of diseases that have a huge negative impact on the supporting structures of the teeth (Avula & Avula, 2011)
Actually, periodontal disease enhances the risk of premature labor and birth by speeding up prostaglandin production. Once the level of prostaglandin attains a particular threshold, labor is triggered (Babalola & Omole, 2010)
Due to their link between gingival and vaginal infections, Prevotella bivia and Prevotella disiens are additional organisms or bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Effect of the Bacteria on the Fetus: If periodontal disease remains untreated, it can pose a safety risk to the pregnant woman and her fetus (Guilbeau & Hurst, 2009)
As the immune system is relaxed, there is likelihood for the growth and development of more bacteria. As the mother's gums are likely to bleed due to the disease, the bacteria enter the blood stream and travels through her body to enter the placenta (Han, 2011)
Most of the gingival changes during pregnancy are normally associated with changing hormonal levels and lack of oral hygiene. Therefore, some of the most appropriate ways for preventing and controlling gingivitis and periodontitis include: Good Oral Health: The promotion of good oral health during pregnancy is considered as a vital measure for the well-being of the mother (Morgan et
3% (Representing 1 in 2.8) of all deaths in the year 2004 were as a result of cardiovascular disease (Xu et al
One of the strongest correlations between periodontal disease and another disease that could have heavy implications as to whether periodontal disease progresses is the correlation and relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. A recent study determines that "the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontal disease/periodontitis (PD) is high, and the association of these two as risk factors influencing each other has been recognized and is extensively documented" (Acharya, Satyanarayan, Thakur, 2010, p
Once the teeth are cleaned and polished a daily brushing needs to take place. Most importantly "gingivitis will usually resolve within weeks of the oral hygiene visit" (Bellows, 2004, p
One theory shows that "since bacteria are prime agents in periodontal disease, it could enter the blood stream through the cavities or contribute to the swelling of arteries" Saini, Saini, Saini, 2010, p. 159) and another article states "The suggestion has recently been made that bacterial biofilms not only are commonly associated with many chronic infections but also are much more resistant to antibiotics than freely circulating bacteria" (Costerton, Stewart, Greenberg, 1999, p
Additionally, "poor periodontal health, characterized by advanced periodontal pockets, may be associated with H. pylori infection in adults" (Dye, Kruszon-Moran, McQuillan, 2002, p
It might be that not only do certain cytokines reside in the gingival connective tissue, but that the plaque that builds up in those same areas is the primary source of inflammatory reactions that can bring about periodontal disease. One study that looked at the relationships of gingivitis, cytokines and other bacterial-associated gingival found that "with accumulation of plaque on teeth, it appears that a bacterial stimulus induces the expression of MCP-1 in mononuclear phagocytes and endothelial cells" (Graves, 1999, p
Many periodontal therapists have for the last few years known and espoused the fact that patients who took care of their oral health faced far fewer health related challenges than those that did not. One 2002 study professed "health professionals need to be cognizant of the effect dental health can have on systemic diseases and refer for treatment when appropriate to ensure that optimum oral and systemic health is achieved for their patients" (Greenwell, Bissada, 2002, p 2581)
Another study determined that an even slighter difference in gingivitis and the more advanced form of periodontal disease might be examined. The study found that the "autoimmune response to HSP60 may exert in periodontitis lesion, and suggest that perhaps subtle differences in the balance of cytokines may result in different disease expression" (Honda, Domon, Okui, Kajita, Amanuma, Yamazaki, 2006, p
77). Another study determined that "periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes" (Hullah, Turok, Nauta, Wai Yoong, 2008, p
This can take place rather quickly, especially if the individual is not practicing good oral hygiene. As the disease take place the "undisturbed plaque progresses into calculus…that is superficially covered by the soft biofilm" (Marquis, 1995, p
Proving that gingivitis does not always precede periodontitis might be as simple as proving that some other disease, malady or illness does. Other diseases One diabetes expert recently reported that "diabetes has long been believed to be a risk factor for periodontal disease…results of a new study show that the reverse might also be true" (Milone, 2008, p
One 2002 study professed "health professionals need to be cognizant of the effect dental health can have on systemic diseases and refer for treatment when appropriate to ensure that optimum oral and systemic health is achieved for their patients" (Greenwell, Bissada, 2002, p 2581). Another study showed how "poor oral hygiene, gingivitis and periodontal disease are the most important risk factors for the development of white spot lesions" (Noble, 2008, p
Periodontal disease Periodontal disease can best be described as a disease of the gums and mouth that is often times evidenced, or preceded by gingivitis. In earlier years experts often claimed that "gingivitis always precedes periodontitis" (Page & Schroeder, 1976, p
However, there are plenty of studies that show how other factors should be considered as well. One recent report showed that "the microbial etiology of gingivitis and marginal periodontitis is unanimously accepted, but several other factors have to be considered" (Paunica, Dumitriu, Mogos, Georgescu, Mogos, 2009, p
Much of the literature that already states that the viewpoint that gingivitis leads to periodontal disease is not technically correct. In fact, one May 2010 study just determined that the "primary cause of periodontal diseases is dental plaque which is a whitish sticky paste that attaches on oral surfaces" (Robinson, 2010, p