An old wives’ tale exists about a tooth lost for every child, and the results of a recent study, published in the January 2007 issue of the Journal of Periodontology, indicates there may be some validity to the tale. The results of this study done in Japan at Tohoku University indicated that nursing rat mothers need sufficient calcium or may suffer periodontal disease and alveolar bone loss. Not enough calcium appears to place all periodontal structures, both soft tissue and alveolar bone, at risk. Both groups of experimental animals had periodontitis and exhibited an acute inflammatory reaction in the periodontal tissues and gingival epithelium, but the lactating group had a greater loss of clinical attachment and bone. According to Preston D. Miller, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, while human studies are necessary to confirm the findings, mothers who are nursing need to remain aware of the amount of calcium in their diets and to increase it if necessary. Breast milk is important to bone development in the infant, and close monitoring of her own periodontal health is important for the mother. Dental visits and frequent cleanings should begin early in the pregnancy and continue until 3 months after delivery. This is the best way to maintain and ensure periodontal health.
(Source: American Academy of Periodontology, January 27, 2007)
