Want a baby? Take good care of your gums
Thursday, 07 July 2011, 17:48 IST
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London:Women who want to have a baby should take good care of their teeth, because gum disease could delay your chances of conceiving, say experts. Women with gum disease took an extra two months to get pregnant compared with those who had healthy teeth and gums, the Daily Mail reported Wednesday quoting a study.It took around seven months on average for those with poor oral hygiene to conceive, but just five months for those who brushed and flossed their teeth properly, the Mail said citing the study. Gum disease - or periodontal disease in its severe form - is caused by a build-up of plaque. It leads to bad breath and bleeding gums and, if untreated, causes cavities, receding gums and tooth loss. It is not clear how gum disease may trigger problems with conceiving, but infected gums may release inflammatory chemicals, which activate the immune system and inflame the lining of the womb. This could affect implantation of a fertilized egg, according to the study carried out at the University of Western Australia in Perth. "For the first time periodontal disease has been linked with inability to conceive," lead researcher Roger Hart said. "Women should be encouraged to see their dentist to have any gum disease treated before trying for a baby," she said.
Source: IANS
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