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\nThere are two types of gum disease; they are called gingivitis and periodontitis. These are infections of the mouth caused by bacteria. The mouth contains the highest amount of bacteria in the body; hundreds of different types thrive in its environment. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in the UK.
\nThe bacteria in the mouth travel throughout the body via inhalation, ingestion and circulation causing adverse effects to it.
\nSigns and Symptoms of gum disease:
\nBleeding
\nRedness
\nSwelling
\nLoose teeth
\nDrifting to a different position
\nGum recession
\nBad Breath (Halitosis)
\nFoul Taste in mouth
\nOccasionally Discomfort
\nSymptomless
\nPregnancy
\nIt is now known that during pregnancy the foetus is exposed naturally to the mother\u2019s immune system.
\nPregnancy gingivitis is a common condition associated with expecting mothers and resolves itself post pregnancy. However if gum disease is present prior to pregnancy the condition worsens due to the increased hormones.
\nBacteria involved in gum disease are able to cross the placenta to the foetus and stimulate preterm labour and low birth weight babies.
\nIt can also lead an increase in blood pressure (pre-eclampsia).
\nFor further reading and information:
\nhttp:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC88948\/
\n(Armitage 2000) (Philstrom 2008)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"