The AAP Issues Statement on Periodontal Treatment During Pregnancy
CHICAGO–January 30, 2009–Research recently presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found that routine periodontal treatment in pregnant women did not reduce the risk of preterm deliveries. Some previous studies in this area have suggested that periodontal therapy during pregnancy can lessen the chance of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
While the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has not yet received the opportunity to review the complete study findings, it continues to urge women to care for their periodontal health while pregnant, through regular tooth brushing and flossing, and routine visits to a periodontist to screen for periodontal disease.
These study results demonstrate the need for additional research to clarify the potential impact that periodontal disease has on the risk of preterm births; and if needed, what periodontal treatment modalities are most effective in helping to prevent premature deliveries.
While the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has not yet received the opportunity to review the complete study findings, it continues to urge women to care for their periodontal health while pregnant, through regular tooth brushing and flossing, and routine visits to a periodontist to screen for periodontal disease.
These study results demonstrate the need for additional research to clarify the potential impact that periodontal disease has on the risk of preterm births; and if needed, what periodontal treatment modalities are most effective in helping to prevent premature deliveries.
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