UAB Study: Brushing Well Can Reduce Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis

By Anna Jones | UAB News A study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry has shown that nurse-led oral hygiene education has been proved to reduce gingival inflammation in pregnant women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60 percent to 75 percent 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. “Through our study, we found that treatment of gingivitis during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preterm birth,” said Nicolaas Geurs, DDS, dean of the UAB School of Dentistry. “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.” The study was conducted among 750 pregnant women between eight and 24 weeks of pregnancy with moderate to severe gingivitis. Black women made up two-thirds of participants. Each participant received oral hygiene instructions and the items needed to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen, including a toothbrush, toothpaste...