Poor periodontal health of pregnant women as a risk factor for preterm and low birth weight

Abstract

Background Preterm delivery of low birth weight infants remains a significant public health issue and a leading cause of neonatal death, long term neurodevelopmental disturbances, and health problems. Several recent studies have suggested a relationship between preterm delivery and periodontal disease. The aim of the study was to determine the association between maternal periodontitis and pre-term/low birth weight (PLBW). Method The case-control study included 400 patients between the age group of 18–35 years. The mothers were categorized based on the weight of the infants as cases (<2500 g and <37 weeks) and controls (≥2500 g and ≥37 weeks). The associated risk factors for periodontal diseases and PLBW like age of mother, literacy status, hemoglobin levels, history of previous deliveries, history of previous PLBW deliveries, history of dental treatment, and periodontal status were ascertained by means of structured questionnaires and maternity case records. Periodontal parameters were assessed using the community periodontal index (CPI). Results The risk factors significantly associated with PLBW are literacy status of the mother (χ 2 = 17.062, p < 0.001), hemoglobin level of the mother (χ 2 = 55.62, p < 0.0001), history of previous PLBW deliveries (χ 2 = 102.797, p≤0.0001), and CPI scores (χ 2 = 83.28, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Our findings showed an association of periodontal disease with PLBW as an independent risk factor. Thus, it remains important to promote good oral hygiene during routine prenatal visits during pregnancy.