Treatment of Periodontal Disease and the Risk of Preterm Birth

Maternal periodontal disease has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. In this randomized trial, nonsurgical treatment of periodontitis (including scaling and root planing) in pregnant women improved periodontal disease but did not significantly alter rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, or fetal growth restriction. Nonsurgical treatment of periodontitis (including scaling and root planing) in pregnant women improved periodontal disease but did not significantly alter rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, or fetal growth restriction. About 11% of singleton births in the United States occur before 37 weeks of gestation, 1 and the rate of premature delivery has increased during the past 15 years. Preterm and low-birth-weight infants are at elevated risk for death, neurodevelopmental disabilities, cognitive impairment, and behavioral disorders. 2 – 4 About half of mothers delivering preterm infants have no known risk factors. 5 Recent studies suggest that periodontitis, an inflammatory disease caused primarily by gram-negative bacteria that destroy tooth-supporting connective tissue and bone, is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, as well as low birth weight and preeclampsia. 6 – 8 In rodents, subcutaneous inoculations . . .