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Healthy Mouth Healthy Body
Pregnancy
A growing body of evidence suggests that severe chronic gum disease (periodontitis**) during pregnancy is associated with pre-term delivery and low birth weight in babies. A recent study compared the oral health status of over 80 women who delivered babies pre-term with that of women who delivered babies at approximately the estimated due date. The researchers found that the women who delivered early had a higher level of severe chronic gum disease than the women who delivered normally. Severe chronic gum disease was also associated with lower birth weight. The relationship suggests that poor oral health during pregnancy can impact the gestation period as well as the weight of the baby at the time of delivery.
*The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs' Acceptance of Colgate Total® toothpaste is based on its finding that the product is effective in helping to prevent and reduce tooth decay, gingivitis, plaque above the gumline and bad breath when used as directed.
**Colgate Total® is approved by the FDA to aid in the prevention of cavities, plaque and gingivitis. It has not been approved for the prevention or treatment of periodontitis or other diseases. Emerging research shows that there is an association between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases. A cause and effect relationship has not been established.
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