Further evidence for periodontal disease as a risk indicator for adverse pregnancy outcomes

• Published in: International dental journal Vol. 67; no. 3; pp. 148 - 156
• Main Authors: Turton, Mervyn, Africa, Charlene W. J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Limited 01.06.2017; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Birth weight; Dentistry; Female; Gestational Age; Gum disease; Health Status; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infants; low birthweight; Oral Health; Periodontal Attachment Loss - complications; Periodontal Attachment Loss - epidemiology; Periodontal disease; Periodontal Diseases - complications; Periodontal Diseases - epidemiology; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket - complications; Periodontal Pocket - epidemiology; Periodontics; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications - epidemiology; Pregnancy Complications - etiology; Premature Birth - epidemiology; Premature Birth - etiology; preterm birth; Risk Factors; Scientific Research Report; South Africa; Young Adult; preterm birth; low birthweight; Periodontal disease
• DOI: 10.1111/idj.12274
• ISSN: 0020-6539

Background Although there is increasing evidence to suggest an association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, the issue remains controversial. Study objective This study tested the hypothesis that periodontal disease is a risk indicator for preterm delivery of low‐birthweight infants. Materials and methods The study sample comprised 443 pregnant women with a mean (± standard deviation) age of 24.13 (±5.30) years. At first visit, maternal oral health status was assessed by the measurement of probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss, and periodontal status was graded as absent, mild, moderate or severe. An association was sought between pregnancy outcomes and maternal periodontal status. Results While controlling for other factors, significant associations were found between pregnancy outcomes and maternal periodontal index scores. Conclusion This study provides further evidence that periodontal disease is a risk indicator for adverse pregnancy outcomes.