THE PULSE: Compiled by Dr Christine White

Bad week for ...
Women who don't brush their teeth; they may be increasing their risk of miscarriage.

Women who neglect their teeth -- as evidenced by needing urgent dental treatment -- are more likely to have also had a miscarriage than women who care for their oral health.

Researchers asked 328 women in Finland about their previous dental care and whether they had had a miscarriage (pregnancy loss before 24 weeks). Those who had urgent dental treatment were 2.5 times more likely to have also had a miscarriage, according to the study published in Oral Diseases. Women who had preventive dental care were less likely to have had a miscarriage than those who hadn't had this type of treatment. The authors say the findings are a good basis from which to test the theory that poor oral health can trigger the production of chemicals that raise a woman's risk of miscarriage.