A HEALThY SMILE
by Sheri Wallace

No reason to smile

"We were amazed by these findings," says Jeffcoat. "The trend for preterm birth was observed in women with as little as two sites with attachment loss (a measure of periodontal disease)," she added. This means that even women with very small amounts of periodontal disease are still at risk for preterm labor.

"Periodontal disease occurs when plaque builds up between the gum and tooth and causes inflammation. This inflammation ends up with the body dissolving the connective tissue and bones that attach the teeth. It is generally not painful until it is very advanced," explains Jeffcoat.

Periodontal disease is not new, and it certainly isn't a subject that many of us like to think about, especially while envisioning our very own Gerber baby. But Jeffcoat's findings are so significant that all women of childbearing age should stand up and take notice. While the exact reason for this risk is unknown, it is believed that prostaglandin, a labor-inducing chemical found in dental plaque, is the probable culprit.