Further evidence for periodontal disease as a risk indicator for adverse pregnancy outcomes

Abstract

Although there is increasing evidence to suggest an association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, the issue remains controversial. Study objective: This study tested the hypothesis that periodontal disease is a risk indicator for preterm delivery of low-birthweight infants. Materials and methods: The study sample comprised 443 pregnant women with a mean ( standard deviation) age of 24.13 ( 5.30) years. At first visit, maternal oral health status was assessed by the measurement of probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss, and periodon- tal status was graded as absent, mild, moderate or severe. An association was sought between pregnancy outcomes and maternal periodontal status. Results: While controlling for other factors, significant associations were found between pregnancy outcomes and maternal periodontal index scores. Conclusion: This study provides further evidence that peri- odontal disease is a risk indicator for adverse pregnancy outcomes.