The effect of phase-I periodontal therapy on pregnancy outcome in chronic periodontitis patients

Abstract

Recent studies have shown periodontal diseases (gum diseases) as risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as prematurity and low birth weight. Objectives of the present study were to determine the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on pregnancy outcomes in women with periodontitis and to detect IgM and IgG status in cord blood during delivery. A total of 20 pregnant women in their 2nd trimester and associated with chronic generalised periodontitis were selected and recruited for the study. They were grouped into two: Group 1 (treatment group) and Group 2 (control). Periodontal parameters of all the subjects were recorded at baseline and after delivery. Data related to weight of the infant and type of delivery was recorded. During the delivery, cord blood was collected for the estimation of IgM and IgG antibodies. All the recordings were subjected for statistical analysis. The study concluded that maternal periodontitis was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Gynecologists′ knowledge and attitudes regarding oral health and periodontal disease leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes

“…Studies done in this field identified maternal periodontitis as a potential risk factor for preterm birth and low birth weight. [ 5 6 7 8 9 10 ] This potential association between maternal periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes becomes an important concern because preterm birth and low birth weight are a major cause of infant mortality. [ 5 7 ]…”

Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth, is There any Relationship?

“…Their results were in accordance with our results, they concluded that preexisting periodontal disease in the second trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm labor with odds ratio of 4.45 to 7.07 for subjects with generalized periodontitis. Some interventional studies are also in support of our study [24][25][26], provided periodontal treatment before 28 weeks of gestation for 200 women compared to 200 women who were not treated, periodontal therapy during pregnancy was found to significantly reduces the rates of preterm labor and low birth weight in women with periodontal disease. They also concluded that periodontal disease was the strongest factor among other risk factors related to Preterm Labor and Low birth Weight odds ratio of 4.7.…”

Evaluation of Microflora (Viral and Bacterial) in Subgingival and Placental Samples of Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia with and without Periodontal Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These findings point to a blood-borne infectious pathway leading to direct fetal exposure as a major pathogenic mechanism of periodontitis associated with prematurity. [ 3 9 , 10 ]…”

“…Therefore, these chemical mediators might be responsible intermediaries in developing adverse pregnancy outcomes. [ 10 ] In addition, increased gingival bleeding due to hormonal influence will aid in the entry of bacteria into the blood stream, which may enter uterus. [ 10 11 ]…”