![\"periodontaldisease\"](\"http:\/\/Centralparkdentistry.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/periodontaldisease.gif\")
<\/a>The main cause of periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is the accumulation of plaque. Plaque is the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. If all of the plaque isn’t removed each day, it builds up and mineralizes to become tartar, also called calculus.<\/p>\nIf tartar isn’t removed, it begins to accumulate on the root surfaces. Bacteria that cause periodontal disease thrive in tartar where they produce toxins. It’s these toxins, combined with your body’s response to them, that destroys bone around your teeth. Professional help is required to remove tartar, because there’s no way to remove it at home. A toothbrush or floss won’t even budge it.<\/p>\n
Periodontal Disease & Low Birthweight Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll hear a lot about how your health affects your baby’s health. Now, researchers have discovered that women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to deliver preterm, low birthweight babies than women with healthy gums.<\/p>\n
Scientists believe the link between periodontal disease and pre-term birth may be caused by the body’s reaction to the bacteria in the infected gums caused by even mild forms of periodontal disease. Gums infected with periodontal disease are toxic reservoirs of disease-causing bacteria. The toxins produced by the bacteria attack the gums, ligaments, and bone that surround your teeth, creating infected pockets that are similar to large open wounds within your mouth. The infected pockets provide access to your bloodstream, allowing bacteria to enter and then travel throughout your body.<\/p>\n
Your body reacts to the infection in your gums by producing prostaglandins, a natural fatty acid that’s involved in inflammation control and smooth muscle contractions. During your pregnancy, the level of prostaglandins gradually increases, peaking when you go into labor. According to one theory, if extra prostaglandins are produced in response to an infection in your gums, your body may interpret it as a signal to go into labor, and your baby could be born too soon and too small.<\/p>\n
Pre-term babies aren’t as healthy as full-term babies, and complications caused by early delivery or low birth weight account for 60 percent of infant deaths. The good news is that you can prevent complications resulting from an infection in your gums by:<\/p>\n
fluoride toothpaste (If toothpaste makes you feel nauseated, brush with plain water and then rinse with an anti-plaque or fluoridated mouthwash.);<\/p>\n
monitor the effectiveness of your dental hygiene routine.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_button button_url=”http:\/\/centralparkdentistry.com\/newsite\/appointment\/” button_text=”Make An Appointment” admin_label=”Appointment Button” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#5a0c1c”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”76px|0px|27px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”|||”]<\/p>\n
Our Location<\/h3>\n
23 N Federal Ave, Mason City, IA<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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