Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis, inflammation of the bones and soft tissue underlying the teeth, occurs more frequently in people who have Type 2 diabetes, as well as older people in general. Researchers at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, United States, and the Ege University in Izmir, Turkey, looked at gingivitis in women and how that might affect their babies.
Their study, reported on in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology in May 2015, included 117 pregnant women…
a total of 27 had no gingivitis and no Gestational diabetes.
31 had gingivitis without having Gestational diabetes,
a total of 21 had Gestational diabetes without gingivitis, and
38 had gingivitis and Gestational diabetes.
It was found gingivitis during pregnancy was associated with over three times the amount of inflammation than was seen in pregnant women without gingivitis. Participants with gingivitis had a higher risk of three types of bacteria…
Porphyromonas gingivalis or P.gingivalis,
Filifactor alocis or F.alocis, and
Treponema denticola or T.denticola.
Those with Gestational diabetes were found to have a higher risk of developing gingivitis and periodontal infections with a variety of bacteria. From theses results it was concluded diabetes and gingivitis act together to increase the risk for problem pregnancies.
P. gingivalis is responsible for much of the damage seen in periodontitis. It produces an enzyme that breaks down tissues around the teeth. It can spread throughout the digestive system and can even infect the female reproductive system. P. gingivalis and T.denticola, another bacteria found in periodontitis, can cause inflammation and change the mother’s normal body chemistry. Both species are associated with preterm birth and low birth weight.
The Mayo Clinic in the United States recommends good oral care to help prevent gingivitis and periodontitis…
soft toothbrushes should be used and replaced three to four times per year.
teeth should be brushed at least twice a day. Brushing after every meal and snack is even better.
floss between teeth twice a day.
professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and scale is also important, especially for pregnant women, and particularly when Gestational diabetes is present.
some dentists recommend antiseptic mouthwash.
When periodontitis is diagnosed, local antibiotics can be placed into the mouth. Sometimes antibiotic pills or shots may be needed to kill bacteria throughout the body. When the condition is advanced, surgical treatment and removal of teeth is sometimes necessary. Surgery might consist of cutting the gums to allow the dentist to clean deeper, or a matrix can be added to encourage new growth. Good hygiene usually prevents the need for such extreme procedures.
Source by Beverleigh H Piepers
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