“This study vividly illustrates just how connected our bodies’ processes can be. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and the infection may impact other parts of the body,” said Kenneth Bueltmann, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). “Treating periodontal disease and reducing the bacteria load may benefit diabetic control as well as pregnancy outcomes.” “Our hope is that periodontal evaluations will be routinely included in the prenatal care of pregnant diabetic women, just as ophthalmologic exams are,” said Guthmiller. The AAP recommends that all women considering pregnancy have a periodontal exam.
A referral to a periodontist or a free brochure titled Diabetes & Gum Disease is available by calling 1-800-FLOSS-EM or by visiting the AAP’s Web site at www.perio.org .
The American Academy of Periodontology is a 7,500-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
Journal of Periodontology