Study highlights link between gum disease and premature labour

Research discovered that women who entered labour early were one and a half times more likely (45 per cent) to have gum disease than women who experienced a perfect pregnancy (29 per cent).

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, also found that early birth rates were more common for women with untreated tooth decay or fillings.

Chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Nigel Carter, says the research highlights the impact that oral health can have on overall wellbeing.

Nigel says, “The health of our mouth can have a direct influence on many parts of our general health. This includes the chances of having a safer birth.

“Many women find it more difficult it to maintain good oral health during pregnancy. This is because hormonal changes during this time can leave gums more vulnerable to plaque and more likely to be sore and swollen. They may even bleed.”

As part of the study, researchers examined the pregnancies and oral health of almost 150 women.