Links to information and sites related to women's health issues....

Resources on Women's Oral Health

Links to information that will help women understand their oral health needs

You'll find a wealth of information on women's oral health when you surf the Web.

AAP News Releases

Expecting Mothers Should “Brush Up” on Their Oral Hygiene Routine
Two studies emphasize the importance of expectant mothers taking extra care of their oral health.

Dental Visits May Help Your Baby Arrive on Schedule
Periodontal therapy may reduce the risk of delivering a preterm low birth weight baby.

AAP Statement on Periodontal Disease and Preterm Low Birthweight
Treatment of periodontitis improves oral health and is safe during pregnancy, and may significantly alter preterm birth rates.

Periodontitis Associated with Preeclampsia in Pregnant Women
Recent studies have demonstrated a positive association between periodontitis and pregnancy complications.

Periodontal Therapy May Reduce Incidence of Preterm Births
Researchers found that periodontal treatment significantly reduced the risk of having a preterm birth or a low birthweight infant.

Infertility Treatment Affects Oral Health
Chronic bacterial infections found in periodontal diseases may affect reproduction success and the outcome of infertility treatment, according to findings published in the Journal of Periodontology.

Menstrual Cycle Increases Gingival Inflammation
In a Journal of Periodontology study, many women reported an increase in gingival inflammation and discomfort associated with their menstrual cycle.

Dental Procedure May Reduce Risk of Premature Births
A study of women who had periodontitis and received scaling and root planing found as much as an 84 percent reduction of premature births.

Video News Release: Reducing the Risk of Premature Births
Leading expert on women's oral health advises periodontal treatment for a healthy pregnancy.

Advice for Mothers-To-Be on a Healthy Delivery
Women contemplating motherhood may want to visit their periodontist or dental professional for a periodontal evaluation before becoming pregnant to reduce the risk of a preterm, low birthweight baby.

Severe Periodontal Disease Poses Additional Threat to Pregnant Diabetics
According to a study in the Journal of Periodontology, pregnant diabetics have more gingival inflammation and deeper pockets between their teeth and gums, which are symptoms of periodontal disease, than non-diabetic pregnant women.

Research Provides Further Evidence on the Importance of Good Oral Health in Pregnant Women
The results of a recent study point to further evidence that periodontal disease may be a significant risk factor for preterm births.

Journal of Periodontology Articles

Access abstracts of recent studies published in the Journal of Periodontology that relate to women's oral health issues. Below are some of the most revealing studies.

Estrogen and/or Calcium Plus Vitamin D Increase Mandibular Bone Mass
Journal of Periodontology (June 2004, Vol. 75, No. 6)
The data of this study indicate that E/HRT and/or calcium and vitamin D may result in increases of mandibular bone mass in postmenopausal women.

The Effects of Ovulation Induction During Infertility Treatment on Gingival Inflammation
Journal of Periodontology (June 2004, Vol. 75, No. 6)
The results of this study have shown that ovulation induction, which is the most common method in the management of infertility, exacerbates gingival inflammation and bleeding.

The Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Periodontal Health
Journal of Periodontology (March 2004, Vol. 75, No. 3)
A number of women in this study reported appreciable oral symptoms just before or during menses. The conclusion was that changes could be expected in gingival scores during the menstrual cycles of periodontally healthy women.

The Oral Conditions and Pregnancy Study: Periodontal Status of a Cohort of Pregnant Women
Journal of Periodontology (January 2004, Vol. 75, No. 1)
Among 903 women in this study, there was a significant increase in those with health/periodontal disease absence between enrollment and delivery.

Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth: Results of a Pilot Intervention Study
Journal of Periodontology (August 2003, Vol. 74, No. 8)
This report is based on 366 pregnant women who had periodontitis (a serious gum infection that destroys attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold teeth in the mouth) and found as much as an 84 percent reduction of premature births in women who were less than 35 weeks pregnant and who received scaling and root planing.

Periodontal Disease in Pregnancy Complicated by Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Journal of Periodontology (November 2001, Vol. 72, No. 11)
Pregnant diabetics have more gingival inflammation and deeper pockets between their teeth and gums, which are symptoms of periodontal disease, than do non-diabetic women, according to this study. These findings are significant because periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that may make diabetes more difficult to control, and previous studies have shown that periodontal disease may increase women's risk of delivering a preterm, low birth weight baby.

Web Sites on Women's Health Care

March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is leading the campaign to reduce premature birth by supporting research and by educating the public and health care providers.

The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
FAQ on oral health issues that affect pregnancy and prenatal health.

Women's Health Interactive
This site promotes the exchange of information and proactive response to women's health issues. Features include opinion polls, health news, upcoming events, health centers (midlife, gynecologic, infertility, and personal development), health assessments, research, directory of women-centered services, women's products and resources, FAQs.

National Women's Health Information Center
Free information service provided by the U.S. Public Health Service. Features include health news and current events, FAQs, dictionary, journals, guest editors, surveys, information in Spanish.

Third Age Health
An online community where older adults can voice their opinions, recount experiences, and share advice on health matters. Features include symptoms & solutions, mind & body connections, one-on-one conversation with experts, news and research update, women's social support, resource locator, free news and tips.

Mayo Clinic
Directed by a team of Mayo Clinic physicians, scientists, writers and educators, this site is filled with information on the disease treatment and prevention. Features include headlines, ask the Mayo physician, reference articles, quizzes, and glossary.

Medscape
Multi-specialty, commercial Web service for clinicians and consumers. Features include free access to leading medical databases (MEDLINE, AIDSLINE, TOXLINE), medical news, medical dictionary.

Gum Disease Links

Perio News