Association between Maternal Periodontitis and Development of Systematic Diseases in Offspring

Anna Starzyńska1, Piotr Wychowański2,3, Maciej Nowak4

  • 1Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk, 7 Dębinki Street, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland.

Insights

Maternal periodontitis, an inflammatory oral condition, may negatively impact pregnancy outcomes and offspring health. This review explores the links between maternal gum disease and complications like preeclampsia and preterm birth.

Area of Science:

  • Oral Health
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Periodontal disease (PD) is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting oral health in various age groups.
  • Research indicates a significant occurrence of PD among pregnant women.
  • As a bacterial-induced inflammatory disease, PD can activate pathways influencing pregnancy progression and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of maternal periodontitis on pregnancy complications and offspring's long-term systemic health.
  • To analyze the molecular pathways and mechanisms underlying the association between maternal periodontal health and offspring development.
  • To address the PICO question regarding the impact of maternal periodontitis versus healthy periodontium on pregnancy and offspring health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review.
  • PICO framework application for research question formulation.
  • Analysis of existing research on maternal periodontitis and its effects.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests maternal periodontitis is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, preterm delivery, vulvovaginitis, and low birth weight.
  • Potential impact of maternal periodontitis on the offspring's epigenome is indicated.
  • Maternal periodontitis may lead to health issues in offspring during childhood and adulthood.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal periodontitis poses risks to pregnancy course and outcomes.
  • Potential for maternal periodontitis to influence offspring epigenetics and long-term health.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and long-term consequences.

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