When pregnant, special attention should be paid to oral health

New York University scientists have discovered that some types of bacteria in pregnant mothers' mouths are linked to premature and low birth weight in newborns.

Lactobacillus casei bacteria
(Photo: bioweb.usu)

Scientists have been able to determine the amount of saliva bacteria in 297 women who are in the third stage of pregnancy. Then they found two types of bacteria:

The first type is related to premature birth, called Actinomyces naeslundii Genospecies2 (A.naeslundii gsp2).

The second type, in larger quantities, affects the weight of the child, called Lactobacillus casei (L.casei).

Dr. Ananda P. Dasanayake, New York University's Department of Epidemiology and Medical Promotion said:

"The effect of A.naeslundii gsp2 on premature birth and the weight of newborns is completely consistent with the theory given earlier, that the bacteria cause disease in the mouth and some types of feces. The body is created by the body against those bacteria that can follow the blood to the uterus and affect the birth process.

Whereas L.casei produces acid to help maintain the uterine pH at 4.5. This has the effect of inhibiting the further development of bacteria including vaginosis related to premature birth. "

Dr. Vincent J. Iacono added: "It is interesting that this study has correctly determined that if the number of A. naeslundii gsp 2 increases by 10 times, the weight of the child in the fetus will decrease by 60 grams and the gestational age will decrease by 0.17 weeks, on the other hand if the number of L. casei bacteria increases by 1 unit, the weight of the fetus increases by 42 grams and the gestational age increases by 0.13 weeks . "

In the future there will be more specific studies of oral bacteria and some other bacteria that are not related to dental diseases in order to better understand the close relationship between sanitary conditions teeth with the phenomenon of premature birth.

In the Journal of Periodontology, there is another study with the topic: Oral disease with the effects of premature birth and low birth weight.

The results of this study also show that for pregnant women with oral diseases, the risk of premature birth will be high. Scientists advise women to pay much attention to oral hygiene during pregnancy.