Maternal periodontal disease and preterm low birth weight: an update

ABSTRACT

In the past decade, there has been mounting scientific evidence suggesting that periodontal disease may play an important role as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Maternal periodontal disease is emerging as a major risk factor for preterm delivery and low birth weight. Preterm birth, resulting in babies born too little and too soon, is a major cause of morbidity and child hood handicap. Data from recent studies have implicated periodontal infections as a potential independent risk factor for preterm low birth weight, but several risk factors for pregnancy outcomes, such as socioeconomic factors, smoking, diabetes and stress, have also been consistently associated with periodontitis. This review focuses on the definition, classification of periodontal disease and its plausible link to preterm low birth weight babies, incidence and the risk factors associated with preterm low birth weight. Additionally this review summarizes the current scientific data on preterm low birth weight and makes a conclusion based on current understanding of the topic. Finally, the clinical relevance of maternal periodontal health and disease has been emphasized and need of antenatal oral health care has been highlighted. It is hoped that both medical and dental practitioner world will realize the importance of maternal oral health in relation to pregnancy outcome. Ultimately, it is hoped that the quantity of life of both mother and infant would improve through early intervention and control of periodontal diseases in pregnant mothers