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| TERM Pregnancy Grant | |||||||||
| Recent findings indicate that periodontal
disease - an infection of the gums and bone caused by plaque, a sticky
film of bacteria that adheres to teeth - may be a risk factor for preterm
birth and low birth weight. , Studies suggest that premature labor is
often triggered by the body's natural immune response to certain bacterial
infections. Even infections far away from the reproductive organs, such
as periodontal (gum) disease, may contribute to premature delivery. Studies
also indicate that periodontal disease may cause pre-eclampsia. The risk
may be reduced with treatment. Poor oral health, including periodontal
disease, is higher among low-income women who often lack access to dental
care despite having coverage by Medicaid.
The Treatment, Education and Resources for Mothers (TERM) project,
funded by the March of Dimes in 2004 and in 2005, has allowed Spokane
Regional Health District's (SRHD) Public Health Nurses to screen the
mouth and gums of low-income pregnant women participating in the SRHD's
First Steps Program. Women with suspected periodontal disease are referred
to dental care. All women in the First Steps Program receive educational
messages on the importance of oral health, pregnancy, and periodontal
disease. The women and their partners receive oral health supplies to
help improve their home care. Beyond this, the entire family should
benefit from the oral health messages delivered through the TERM project.
Gaining this information should influence the oral health status of
families involved and also future pregnancy outcomes.
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