Brushing and flossing teeth can reduce pregnancy-associated gingivitis, study says

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60 per cent to 75 per cent of pregnant women have gingivitis due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Periodontal diseases can represent an inflammatory and microbial burden to the body that has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight.

Nicolaas Geurs, dean of the UAB School of Dentistry, said, “Through our study, we found that the treatment of gingivitis during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preterm birth. The main takeaway from this study is that those who are pregnant should keep plaque off their teeth, which can easily be done through good oral hygiene or brushing and flossing.”