PREMATURE BIRTHS
Scientists from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Chile have found a link between gum disease and premature births – after one in three women at risk of premature labour presented with gum disease bacteria in their amniotic fl uid, as well as their mouth.

Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds an unborn baby and scientists believe that any disruption to this fluid could pose a danger to both mother and baby – making the gum disease infection a real risk.

Many women fi nd that hormone changes cause their oral health to get worse during pregnancy and this study suggests that poor oral healthcare could have an impact on an unborn baby.

• Leon, Sila et al; Journal of Periodontology, July 2007, p1249-1255