I am pregnant and I was recently diagnosed with periodontitis. Can my gum disease affect my baby?
Untreated periodontal (gum) disease puts mothers at greater risk for having pre-term low birth weight babies. Pre-term low birth weight babies are most susceptible to infections and often suffer from various illnesses. Periodontal treatment will lower your chance of having a pre-term low birth weight baby. Typically, treatment will consist of a deep cleaning to remove the bacteria and deposits around your teeth. An antibiotic may also be recommended. Expectant mothers can have this treatment preformed early in the second trimester.
