Did you know there is a link between periodontal disease (gum disease) and low birth weight infants? Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures surrounding the teeth. With chronic infection, proteins called cytokines will increase systemically. Cytokines have been found to cross the fetal membrane barrier and may induce pre-mature labor, resulting in a low birth weight of the infant. Read this detailed study for more information: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941365/
Also, don’t forget to brush, floss and see your dental professional regularly – before, during and after pregnancy!
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