Maternal periodontal status and preterm delivery: a hospital based case-control study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Periodontology
• Public Health

Background:

• Emerging evidence suggests a link between maternal periodontal disease and preterm delivery.
• This association has not been consistently confirmed in all populations.
• Investigating this link in diverse geographical regions is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between maternal periodontal disease and preterm delivery.
• To assess the role of periodontal health in pregnancy outcomes in Kerala, India.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 300 postpartum women (100 cases of preterm delivery, 200 controls of term delivery).
• Clinical and periodontal examinations were conducted.
• Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association, controlling for other risk factors.

Main Results:

• Periodontitis was diagnosed in 25% of mothers with preterm delivery versus 14.5% of mothers with term delivery.
• Mothers with periodontitis had a nearly threefold increased risk of preterm delivery (adjusted odds ratio = 2.72).
• Other significant risk factors included physical exertion, previous preterm birth, and previous abortion/infant death.

Conclusions:

• Periodontal disease is identified as a potential risk factor for preterm delivery in the population studied.
• This finding underscores the importance of addressing maternal oral health to improve pregnancy outcomes.