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The effects of periodontal treatment on pregnancy outcomes

Bryan S Michalowicz1, Anders Gustafsson, Vivek Thumbigere-Math

  • 1Department of Developmental and Surgical Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. micha002@umn.edu

Journal of Clinical Periodontology
|May 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing, does not improve birth outcomes for pregnant women with periodontitis. Research indicates no significant effect on reducing preterm birth or low birthweight rates.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Periodontology
  • Neonatal Health

Background:

  • Preterm infants face higher risks for developmental disorders, with increased mortality as gestational age decreases.
  • Observational studies suggest a link between poor periodontal health and preterm birth or low birthweight.
  • Periodontitis is considered a potentially modifiable risk factor for prematurity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and discuss randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2011 and July 2012.
  • To evaluate whether periodontal therapy impacts rates of preterm birth and low birthweight.

Main Methods:

  • Searched major databases: PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library.
  • Identified and analyzed relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Main Results:

  • A single identified RCT showed no significant effect of periodontal treatment on birth outcomes.
  • The largest, high-quality trials with low risk of bias consistently indicated no alteration in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Non-surgical periodontal therapy, specifically scaling and root planing, does not enhance birth outcomes in pregnant women diagnosed with periodontitis.
  • Current evidence from RCTs does not support periodontal treatment as a method to improve pregnancy outcomes related to preterm birth or low birthweight.
Abstract

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