An unlikely seeming link has come to light – between use of mouthwash and lowering risk of preterm births. The study, led by Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat, a professor of periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania has found.
Preterm birth can predispose a new born baby to complications and a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. Additionally preterm birth could mean other health problems later in life, learning disabilities, breathing problems, and even increased risk of cerebral palsy.
And now researchers are saying that women could make a significant difference to their risk of giving birth prematurely – by using mouth wash! Using an alcohol free mouth wash that contains cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC) twice a day, to get rid of oral bacteria could significantly lower that risk, say researchers.
As yet, there is very little that is known about the causes of preterm births and even less known about how to prevent them, so this could be a simple and exciting new way to try and do something about a potential problem.
And even if you are not at risk of preterm birth, there is no harm in keeping your teeth in good health; so use the mouth wash anyway!