Gum Disease during Pregnancy and Preterm Birth

Research published in the journal Infection and Immunity suggests that the increasing incidence of preterm deliveries, which occur in about 13% of US pregnancies, are related to bacteria found in the mouth. When pregnant woman have inflamed gums there can be high concentrations of over 700 bacterial species. It is believed these bacteria can end up in the uterus and cause problems that result in preterm birth.