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Effect of oral diseases on mothers giving birth to preterm infants

Soukaina Ryalat1, Faleh Sawair, Zaid Baqain

  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. salryalat@yahoo.com

Medical Principles and Practice : International Journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
|October 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Maternal oral diseases like higher DMFT scores and poor oral hygiene are linked to preterm birth (PTB). Regular dental checkups before and during pregnancy may reduce PTB risk.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Periodontology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant global health concern with multifactorial causes.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between maternal oral health and pregnancy outcomes.
  • Understanding this association can inform preventive strategies for both oral and reproductive health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal oral diseases and the incidence of preterm birth.
  • To identify specific oral health indicators that may predict the risk of preterm delivery.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 100 mothers of preterm infants and 100 mothers of full-term infants.
  • Data collection included maternal demographic information, oral examinations, and dental indices (DMFT, plaque, tooth mobility).
  • Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to assess risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Higher Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index scores were significantly associated with preterm birth.
  • Elevated Silness and Loe plaque index and Mühlemann tooth mobility index scores were also linked to PTB.
  • Mothers lacking pre-pregnancy dental checkups and those with fewer dental visits during pregnancy had a higher incidence of PTB.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal oral health status, particularly a healthy periodontium, serves as a reliable indicator for predicting safe pregnancy outcomes.
  • Promoting regular dental care before and during pregnancy may contribute to reducing the incidence of preterm birth.
Abstract

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