Our results support the hypothesis that the significance of the association between periodontal disease and pregnancy outcomes may be determined by the periodontal disease definition or measurement used.

Within the limits of this design, these data suggest that incomplete adherence to a 7-day adjunctive course of systemic metronidazole and amoxicillin is associated with decreased clinical outcomes in subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis.

The factors involved in many cases of adverse pregnancy outcomes have still not being identified, although systemic infections may play a role. This study found a modest association between periodontitis and PB. Further research is required to establish whether periodontitis is a risk factor for PB and/or LBW.

The lack of correlation between BIC and ISQ values suggests that ISQ as determined by RFA is not able to identify the relationship between RF and histomorphometrical data.

Like any other chronic disease, periodontal disease can be treated, but not eradicated. Personal maintenance of periodontal health requires the continuous elimination of bacterial accumulation at the gingival level, which demands periodical professional assistance. Of upmost importance is the patient being able to actively follow the counsel of the care providers. Thus, patient compliance, adherence, and persistence are paramount for the long‐term success of periodontal therapy. Unfortunately, in medicine as well as in dentistry, most studies show that, sooner rather than later, an unacceptable percentage of patients quit maintenance care. However, different studies have shown that there are behavioral techniques which may significantly improve the degree of motivation, compliance and persistence of patients with oral hygiene and supportive periodontal treatment. The right interval between maintenance visits has not been determined yet, but should be implemented according to patient needs, which do not necessarily coincide with the standard three‐month interval historically accepted as adequate. Adherence to periodontal maintenance results in reduction of plaque and bleeding on probing, and potentially slowing down or halting the disease progression. Finally, based on numerous retrospective studies, patient compliance could be considered a disease‐modifying factor positively affecting tooth survival. However, a lack of randomized clinical trials means this last statement is still open to question.