`Pregnant woman`s poor oral health a risk for unborn child`
London: Pregnant women should not neglect
oral health as it could prove fatal for their unborn baby, a
study has claimed.
A report in the Obstetrics And Gynaecology journal
discusses the case of an unnamed 35-year-old lady from Ohio
who had the common gum disease gingivitis.
The woman gave birth to a stillborn baby at 39 weeks.
Later, a microbiologist confirmed that the oral bacteria in
the mother`s mouth -- which was present in the baby`s
bloodstream, lungs and stomach -- was responsible for the
death of the baby.
Scientists suggested that any disruption to the amniotic
fluid -- the liquid that surrounds an unborn baby -- could
pose a risk to both mother and baby, making the infection from
gum disease a real risk, the Daily Mail reported.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental
Health Foundation, said: "This case has shown that improving
oral healthcare among pregnant women can have a significant
impact on an unborn baby.
"If you are pregnant, it really is vital to take extra
care of your mouth," Carter added.
PTI
First Published: Monday, February 01, 2010, 00:00
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