C.S. Mott Center for Human Growht & Development hosting free health fair

Well, having good oral health is important during pregnancy. The physical and hormonal changes that come with carrying a baby can increase a woman's risk for dental issues that can also affect the baby. C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development is hosting a free health fair for pregnant women with a special focus on the importance of oral health. I have with me Dr. Gilmore on the couch with us just to talk about, one, a sign-up for this free health screening. But we kind of got into this conversation because I just think this is. This is so important and one of those things where we don't realize how many people, how many women this is truly impacting, as you mentioned, right here in Detroit. So, Tanisha, I would like to share with you some information that many people are not even aware of that, that unfortunately, Detroit is the capital in the United States of preterm birth. Okay, you got to explain why. Exactly. The incidence of preterm birth in Detroit, according to the March of Dimes for last year, is 16%. So 16% of the pregnancies, they have preterm birth. And the problem with preterm birth is the complication that comes for the mother and for the children. And there are few things, very simple things, that we can start working to stop the cycle of preterm birth. And one is oral health. And let me tell you why. It's interesting because we found that the bacteria in the mouth of the mother can reach the uterus. Everything's connected. Everything is connected, Tanisha. You're 100% right. But the good bacteria is helping to protect and maintain the mother. But if the bacteria is bad... It will induce complications, such as preterm birth or even preeclampsia, a serious complication in pregnancy with high blood pressure that has also effect on the cardiovascular system of the mother. Okay, so can I simplify this? Are we just talking about, you know, women in general just maybe not brushing their teeth? You know what I mean? What does that imply? Very good question. We think many people think that taking care of their oral health, it has no relevance. It has not an impact on the pregnancy, but I can tell you is in simple words, a healthy mouth is a healthy pregnancy. And that's what we're trying to do at the CSMOS Center for Human Growth and Development. We need to stop this cycle of preterm birth, of complications of pregnancy, mortality of pregnancy. And it has very simple things that can stop. We have to go step by step. And one is oral health. Which a dentist does not take care before and during pregnancy and, of course, after the pregnancy. I asked you that question about, you know, just the simplifying because, you know, a lot of people, okay, hey, I brush my teeth every morning. I may even floss. But, I mean, you're saying, like, look, you have to actually go, those cleanings, you know, go to the dentist. Exactly. Go to the dentist. Have a dentist to check. Look if there is some problems in your teeth. Because when there is a problem, it is that you may not see it or feel it. There is the bacteria growing there, the abnormal. And Dr. Gilmore, what are you seeing? Are you seeing more, you know, younger moms that's happening in or, you know, what's kind of like that target demographic in terms of women? Yeah. So there is not really an age. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Across the ages. Got it. Yeah. It's just the difference is somebody who really takes care regularly, regularly, not only at home, but also with the dentist. And that's what we talk about oral health. So talk to me about this health screening, because this is happening November 22nd. That information right here on your screen, how folks can, women can sign up, how they can get involved and what they can expect. Fantastic. This is going to be a great event for multiple reasons. Bring your family, bring your kids, bring your husbands. If the couple is planning to get pregnant, come. Okay. Learn before you get pregnant. And if you're already pregnant, even better, come. There will be gifts, there will be a lot of activities, but there is also something very important that is happening to me. Okay, what you got? You already been giving to me. What you got? Is talking to the experts. Makes sense. When you go to your doctor, how much time you have to talk to him or her? Not much. Five minutes. Do you have time to ask the questions of what is happening in your body? What is it? No. All right. This time, it will be two hours with the best experts in the state of Michigan. Answer all the questions. All right. Dr. Gilmore with us. You heard him. You better get out there. Talk to those doctors.