Oral health issues and pregnancy

[Thislittlelight]

I have an abcessed tooth, a lot of cavities, no gum disease (although I have a sore on my gum since may),bad breath and a partial root canal. My first pregnancy my daughter was born early and under weight (1lbs 15oz @ 29wks) and we just lost our second daughter @ 24wks this past may. Each pregnancy the placenta stops working correctly after 20wks. I see several docs and no one knows why this happens. I have fibroids and they believe they maybe the issue, however I am concerned its my mouth. Are my oral problems the reasons the placenta stops working?
Thank you,
A momma desperately trying to find answers!

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

I'm not an OB/GYN so I'm not an expert on this field but my understanding is that the placenta is a great filter for the fetus and bacteria should not be able to go through the placenta.  I think there may be certain viruses or bacteria that may be an exception to the rule.  I believe syphillis is one.  

As far as I know, no.  From what I understand, its the gum disease which gives easy access to the bloodstream (bleeding from the gums) which can cause problems with pregnancy.

[Thislittlelight]

Thank you doctor. I did see my dentist prior to and early on in my pregnancy. They said my gums were great. Ive never had gum disease. The bacteria from cavities and the partial tooth is what I am concerned about. Is there studies on that getting into the blood stream and causing placental issues? I read the artical and will contact the person you suggested, thank you.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

I wish I had a good answer for you but I don't.  I assume you've seen a few OB/GYN's to discuss your particular situation.  

I do know that recent research is indicating that gum disease (not cavities like you asked) are shown to increase the risk of premature and low weight babies.  Have you had a dental evaluation prior to or during the pregnancy?

Here's a new article I found last year that I posted on medhelp.  It may help provide you with some leads.  You may want to contact Yiping Han (who did the study) at Case Western University.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34979552/ns/health-pregnancy/

[Thislittlelight]

My mistake, I do not have an abcess. One of my I have a huge hole in a tooth that I have not gotten removed yet (money). I can feel the gum through the tooth...but no abcess.