One theory is that the toxins caused by plaque, a sticky coating of bacteria
that grows on teeth can enter a woman's blood and trigger an unusually fast rise in prostaglandin, the hormone that causes
the uterus to contract. Periodontal infections can also lead to higher levels of tumor necrosis factor molecules -- chemicals
people put out in response to infection that can also kick-start labour.
"All kinds of infections may influence whether or not a woman has a premature
baby," says lead author Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat of the University of Pennsylvania.
"If you have severe periodontal disease, it's almost like the whole palm
of your hand is infected and oozing with pus, but you just can't see it because it's under your gums," Jeffcoat says.
"If you had that kind of infection on your hand or on your leg, you wouldn't let it go. You'd go to your
doctor and have it cleared up."
-- CanWest News Service
