Low Calcium Intake Increases Risk of Long Island Gum Disease for Nursing Mothers
As your due date draws near there are many things to consider in preparation for your new baby. Some of the things running through your mind may include where your baby will sleep, what type of diapers to buy and whether or not you plan to breastfeed. When considering if you will nurse your baby it’s vital to consider the risks of Long Island gum disease if your calcium intake is low.
A recent study was conducted at Tohoku University in Japan investigating if lactation affects bone loss in the bones surrounding the roots of teeth. They used nursing rats with experimental periodontitis and found that breastfeeding mothers could put the bone structures around their teeth at risk, especially when their calcium is below the daily requirement.
According to Dr. Kanako Shoji, Division of Periodontology and Endodontology at Tohoku University “the research the importance of having a high-calcium diet while breast-feeding.” He disclosed that “even though the study was done on rat population the evidence confirmed that breastfeeding can cause increased bone loss in the mother, especially when the mother has insufficient calcium intake.”
Dr. Preston D. Miller, President of the American Academy of Periodontology backs the results ofthis study saying, “We know a high-Calcium diet can promote healthy teeth and gum, but this research indicates that nursing mothers should be especially conscious of having enough Calcium in their diet.”
In addition to calcium intake good oral hygiene will help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene alone won’t cure periodontal disease if it has already begun. Knowing what to look for when it comes to gum disease could be the difference between early treatment or tooth loss. Those signs include:
- bleeding gums while brushing,
- red or swollen gums,
- Persistent bad breath.
- Loose or missing teeth
- Gums that pull away from your gums
If you notice any of these signs visit a Periodontist for a full evaluation. Residents at risk for Long Island gum disease should contact Dr. Scharf. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving patients an alternative to gum surgery. Call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.
Tags: bleeding gums long island, Long Island peridontist, long island periodontist, periodontist disease Long Island, periodontist in Long Island