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Published on: January 12, 2018
Maternal periodontal disease and preterm low birthweight: case-control study
E S Davenport1, C E C S Williams, J A C Sterne
1Department of Oral Growth and Development, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, Turner Street, London E1 2AD, UK. E.S.Davenport@mds.qmw.ac.uk
This study found no link between periodontal disease and preterm low birthweight (PLBW). Improving gum health in pregnant women is not supported as a strategy to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Periodontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Periodontal disease is a potential risk factor for preterm low birthweight (PLBW).
- Previous research suggests a link between maternal oral health and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between periodontal disease and preterm low birthweight (PLBW).
- To determine if improving periodontal health in pregnant women can enhance pregnancy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 236 cases of PLBW and 507 controls.
- Clinical periodontal indices were measured, and risk factors were collected via questionnaires and maternity notes.
Main Results:
- The risk for PLBW decreased with increasing pocket depth (OR 0.83).
- After adjusting for confounding factors, the association remained inverse (OR 0.78).
- No significant evidence of an association between periodontal disease and PLBW was found.
Conclusions:
- The study does not support a causal link between periodontal disease and preterm low birthweight.
- Current evidence does not recommend focusing on improving periodontal health in pregnant women to improve pregnancy outcomes.
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