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The relationship between periodontal disease, bacterial vaginosis, and preterm birth

Christopher Pretorius1, Anilla Jagatt, Ronald F Lamont

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwick Park and St. Marks Hospitals, Harrow, Middlesex, London, UK.

Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|March 9, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Infection contributes to preterm birth. This review explores how periodontal disease and bacterial vaginosis, linked by abnormal flora, may increase the risk of spontaneous preterm labor and birth.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Periodontology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Spontaneous preterm labor is a leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity globally.
  • Infections are implicated in up to 40% of spontaneous preterm labor cases.
  • Previous research focused on bacterial vaginosis; recent studies link periodontal disease to preterm birth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the interrelationship between periodontal disease, bacterial vaginosis, and preterm birth.
  • To explore potential common pathophysiology and mechanisms linking these conditions.
  • To investigate if periodontal disease and bacterial vaginosis are independent or interrelated risk factors for preterm birth.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing evidence on periodontal disease, bacterial vaginosis, and preterm birth.
  • Analysis of microbiological similarities between oral and genital tracts.
  • Postulation of mechanisms including gene-environmental interactions.

Main Results:

  • Microbiological similarities exist between the oral cavity and the female genital tract.
  • Periodontal disease and bacterial vaginosis may share common pathophysiological pathways.
  • Both conditions, individually or combined, are postulated as potential risk factors for preterm birth.

Conclusions:

  • Periodontal disease and bacterial vaginosis may represent significant risk factors for spontaneous preterm labor.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and confirm the causal links.
  • Understanding these associations can inform preventive strategies for preterm birth.

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