Factors associated with the prevalence of periodontal disease in low-risk pregnant women

Marianna Vogt,José G Cecatti,Sirlei S Morais,Antonio W Sallum

doi:10.1186/1742-4755-9-3

Marianna Vogt, José G Cecatti + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4755-9-3

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Journal: Reproductive health	Publication Date: Jan 24, 2012
Citations: 127	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Universidade Estadual de Campinas

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of periodontal disease (PD) among Brazilian low-risk pregnant women and its association with sociodemographic factors, habits and oral hygiene.MethodThis cross-sectional study included 334 low-risk pregnant women divided in groups with or without PD. Indexes of plaque and gingival bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and gingival recession were evaluated at one periodontal examination below 32 weeks of gestation. Independent variables were: age, race/color, schooling, marital status, parity, gestational age, smoking habit, alcohol and drugs consumption, use of medication, presence of any systemic diseases and BMI (body mass index). Statistical analyses provided prevalence ratios and their respective 95%CI and also a multivariate analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of PD was 47% and significantly associated with higher gestational age (PR 1.40; 1.01 - 1.94 for 17-24 weeks and PR 1.52; 1.10 - 2.08 for 25-32 weeks), maternal age 25-29 years, obesity (PR 1.65; 1.02 - 2.68) and the presence of gingival bleeding on probing (ORadj 2.01, 95%CI 1.41 - 2.88). Poor oral hygiene was associated with PD by the mean values of plaque and bleeding on probing indexes significantly greater in PD group.ConclusionsThe prevalence of PD is high and associated with gingival bleeding on probing, more advanced gestational age and obesity. A program of oral health care should be included in prenatal care for early pregnancy, especially for low-income populations.

Highlights

Periodontal disease is a common oral infection with prevalence ranging from 10-60%, and refers to gingivitis and periodontitis [1]
Study design This is a cross-sectional study that assesses the results of a periodontal evaluation, the prevalence of periodontal disease (PD) and its association with sociodemographic factors, habits and oral hygiene, performed with low-income and low-risk pregnant women receiving prenatal care at the maternity of the University of Campinas, Brazil, who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study after signing an informed consent form
Among all the “self-reported” periodontal variables studied, the reference to gingival bleeding was statistically associated with approximately a two-fold increased risk in prevalence of PD, while not using dental floss was associated with a 1.32-times greater risk (Table 3)

Summary

Introduction

Periodontal disease is a common oral infection with prevalence ranging from 10-60%, and refers to gingivitis and periodontitis [1]. Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth and periodontitis involves localized increases in the numbers and tissue invasion of anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria, causing persistent inflammation and destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, such as the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, resulting in mobility and occasional teeth loss [2]. PD involves both direct tissue damage caused by bacterial plaque, accumulated due to a poor oral hygiene, and indirect damage through host inflammatory and immune responses. Factors including the host’s systemic status should be studied since they may affect the prevalence, progression and severity of PD. May affects the development of local inflammation, reducing regulation of interleukin-6 production and rendering gingival tissues less resistant to inflammatory challenges caused by bacteria [5]

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