Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Preterm Birth & Low Birth Weight
Numerous studies associate periodontitis with preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW):
- Association between periodontitis and PTB and LBW is biologically plausible.
- Treatment did not change outcomes in three large U.S. based NIH funded randomized controlled trials.
- However:
- Periodontal treatment is safe in pregnancy
- Treatment improved periodontitis and quality of life
- It is not clear if treating periodontal disease before someone became pregnant could reduce risk of poor birth outcomes
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References
Srinivas SK, Sammel MD, Stamilio DM, et al. Links Periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes: is there an association? Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009; 200(5):497.e1-8.
Newnham JP, Newnham IA, Ball CM, et al. Treatment of periodontal disease during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2009; 114:1239-48.
Contreras A, Herrera JA, Soto JE, et al. Periodontitis Is Associated With Preeclampsia in Pregnant Women. J Periodontal 2006; 77:182-188.
Xiong X, Buekens P, Goldenberg RL et al. Optimal timing of periodontal disease treatment for prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes: before or during pregnancy? Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011; 205(111):e1-6.
Polyzos NP, Polyzos IP, Mauri D, et al. Effect of periodontal disease treatment during pregnancy on preterm birth incidence: a meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009; 200(3): 225-232.