Maternal Periodontal Disease Research Articles

Association between maternal periodontitis, acute-phase reactants and preterm birth.

Association between maternal periodontitis, acute-phase reactants and preterm birth.

Assessing the association between periodontitis and premature birth: a case-control study

BackgroundPremature delivery is among the leading causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity in developed societies, which is an important obstetrics problem. Maternal periodontitis is a prevalent condition that has been suspected to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature birth. However, there are still conflicting results about this possible relationship, therefore this study was designed to test the association between maternal periodontitis and premature birth. This study also provides information about a new screening tool recommended for use by nurses and midwives to screen for periodontal diseases during antenatal consultations in order to improve the health of mothers and children.MethodsA retrospective case-control study was conducted at 12 health facilities in the Southern Province of Rwanda from February to August, 2018. A total of 555 women in the postpartum period were enrolled in the study. Cases and controls were enrolled in a ratio of 1:2; each enrolled case of preterm birth was followed by 2 unmatched control subjects that were next on the register and who delivered at term gestation. A total of 185 cases of preterm deliveries and 370 controls of term delivery were enrolled in the study. Multivariate regression analysis was used and the independent variables were hierarchically entered in three groups: The first group involved demographic variables that were put in the regression model as Step 1. The second group was made up of other potential risk factors that were placed in the regression model as the second step. Periodontitis was entered in the final regression step, as it was hypothesized as the main predictor variable.ResultsA statistically significant association was found between periodontitis and premature birth. Women who had periodontitis had 6 times the odds of giving birth to premature birth infants compared to women who had no periodontitis (OR: 6.360, 95% CI 3.9, 10.4).ConclusionThe study results indicate that periodontitis is strongly associated with premature birth. Preventive solutions including the use of a periodontitis screening tool for nurses and midwives during antenatal care consultations, are highly recommended.

Periodontal and caries status in unexplained female infertility: A case-control study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between maternal periodontal disease and dental caries that affect oral health and unexplained infertility. This cross-sectional case-control study included 50 fertile women and 50 women with unexplained infertility aged 21 to 39 years. Dental and periodontal parameters were examined to evaluate the oral health of the participants. Accordingto the new periodontal disease classification, periodontitis severity was determined. In infertile women, the number of advanced caries lesions, the percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were higher (P<0.05). The DMFT and mean plaque index (PI) were not statistically different between the two groups. The PISA and PESA values were higher in women with unexplained infertility than in fertile women (P=0.005 and P=0.002, respectively). In multivariate analysis showed that association of DMFT and BOP variables with periodontitis was found to be significant for all women included in the study and for infertile women only (P=0.000 and P=0.012 for DMFT, respectively; P=0.000 and P=0.016 for BOP, respectively). The chronic inflammatory environment caused by periodontitis and advanced carious lesions in women with unexplained infertility should be of great concern as it may have a role in the etiology of infertility.

Maternal Periodontal Disease: A Possible Risk Factor for Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background and Aims:In periodontal disease, pathogenic inflammatory factors hold a vital part in adverse pregnancy outcomes. In recent years, there has been a large amount of literature concerning the association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth (PTB) and low-birth-weight baby (LBWB). In the Middle-east region, reports indicate a higher rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and periodontitis is believed to be one of several risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This cross-sectional, epidemiological study aimed to investigate the prevalence of periodontal diseases among pregnant women in the Qassim region and its association as a possible risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.Materials and Methodology:This was a cross-sectional, epidemiological study of 380 pregnant women from the 8th week postconception to parturition who were attending to Maternal and Children's Hospital in Buraidah, Qassim, KSA. The data were collected through questionnaire and oral examination. Plaque scores (Silness and Loe) and gingival disease scores (Ramfjord Periodontal Disease Index [PDI]) were used to assess oral hygiene status. The questionnaire data collected included gestational age, plaque control habits, previous incidences of premature birth, and awareness of expectant mothers about periodontal disease.Results:Data were collected for 380 participants. Our results based on the plaque index and PDI showed that all (100%) of these 380 pregnant women suffered periodontal diseases (gingivitis 78.9% and periodontitis 21.1%). The distribution of gingivitis was the highest among 3rd trimester patients and lowest among 1st trimester patients. Mild-to-moderate types of periodontitis (4 mm–5 mm) were more prevalent among the participants compared with severe (more than 6 mm) forms of periodontitis with a higher prevalence in the 3rd trimester (7–9 months) of gestational age.Conclusions:A very strong significant association of pregnancy and periodontal disease in the Saudi population (Qassim Region) and periodontal disease is risk factor for PTB and LBWB for these patients.

Association of preterm low-birth-weight infants and maternal periodontitis during pregnancy: An interventional study

The impact of periodontal disease during pregnancy and its effect on adverse pregnancy outcomes is seen in the literature. When it comes to the link of disease related to periodontium to that of adverse pregnancy outcomes, a need can arise if a significant cause-effect relationship does exist or not between them. The study was aimed to determine the association of periodontal health status in pregnant women with the occurrence of preterm low birth weight (LBW) infants in Vadodara, Gujarat. An interventional study with 100 patients was conducted, of which 67 participants were included in the control group and 33 participants were included in the intervention group. A total of 12 participants dropped out from the study and 88 were analyzed for the outcome. The Community periodontal Index of Treatment needs index was taken for all enrolled participants and then were divided into interventional group and control group. Participants in the interventional group underwent scaling and root planning. Data related to the time of delivery and weight of the baby was taken from the hospital records. A comparison of baseline characteristics was made using unpaired t-test. Chi-square test was used for the analysis of intergroup comparison. The odds ratio and the relative risk calculation were also done. P ≤ 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. The odds ratio for both preterm and LBW were 3.86 times and 2.96, respectively. The Chi-square statistical test analysis was statistically significant for both preterm and LBW infants on the intergroup comparison. Periodontal disease can be considered as one of the risk factors for preterm LBW babies as not only the presence of disease condition causes an increase in inflammatory mediator but also the elimination of the disease condition reduces the adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Impact of Maternal Periodontitis on Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight in Babies: Results of a Scoping Review

Background &#x0D; Periodontitis has been documented as public health concern but its association with preterm and low birth weight remains uncertain, thus the objective of this scoping review is to summarize the most recent published evidence related to the impact of periodontitis on preterm birth and low birth weight in order to improve public awareness and to inform policies for oral health during pregnancy.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; Hinari, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched to acquire the published literature. The retrieved studies included cross-sectional, case control studies and randomized controlled trials with available full text published in English from 2008 to 2019.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; After combining the key words, 333 articles were identified with only 133 eligible articles published from 2008 to 2019. After reviewing the available 50 full text articles, duplicates were removed and 15 studies fully met the inclusion criteria. There were 13 articles that supported the association between maternal periodontitis and preterm low birth weight while 2 found no evidence to support the association.&#x0D; Conclusion &#x0D; The results of this scoping review contribute to an increasing body of evidence to support the hypothesis that maternal periodontal disease may be a risk factor for preterm delivery and low birth weight.&#x0D; Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2020;3(3):372-386

Radiological screening of maternal periodontitis for predicting adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes

It is well known that periodontitis, diagnosed mainly by periodontal probing, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, periodontal probing is time-consuming, highly discomforting, inaccurate, and invasive. We aimed to assess whether periodontitis severity based on radiological staging in accordance with the 2017 new consensus classification was related to adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. The medical records of 165 mothers who underwent panoramic radiography within 5 years before and after the time of delivery and of their singleton neonates were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-two mothers (13.3%) had severe periodontitis (SP), and 143 (86.7%) had mild or moderate periodontitis (MP). In relation to adverse pregnancy outcomes, uterine leiomyoma (18.2% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.029), chronic hypertension (9.1% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.047), and preeclampsia (13.6% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.032) occurred significantly more frequently in the SP group than in the MP group. The incidences of very preterm birth (13.6% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.017), extremely preterm birth (9.1% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.047), and small for gestational age (22.7% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.017) were also significantly higher in the SP group than in the MP group. Radiological screening of maternal periodontitis could be useful for predicting adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes as well as diagnosing SP in pregnant women.

Do the clinical criteria used to diagnose periodontitis affect the association with prematurity?

In recent years, several studies have examined the possible relationship between periodontal disease in pregnant women and preterm birth. One of the difficulties facing these studies is the heterogeneity of the clinical criteria used to define periodontitis. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the degree of association between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth according to different consensus definitions of periodontal disease. In a study of 146 mothers (60 with preterm births and 86 with term deliveries) at the Sant Joan de Déu Maternal and Children's Hospital in Barcelona, a periodontal examination was carried out within 2 days of birth and the presence of periodontal disease was evaluated using the main clinical classifications published in the literature. The prevalence of periodontitis ranged from 25.4 to 52.1%, depending on the criteria used for its definition. Using the most restrictive criteria, pregnant women with periodontitis had a higher risk of preterm birth (OR: 7.49; p < 0.001) and premature rupture of membranes (OR: 2.49; p = 0.017). Premature infants born to mothers with periodontitis presented a tendency toward low weight, adjusted for gestational age (OR: 3.32; p = 0.065). Our findings suggest that the association between periodontitis and preterm birth is influenced by the definitions of periodontitis used.

Microbiological findings of the maternal periodontitis associated to low birthweight.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine the association between the presence of periodontal pathogens and low birthweight.MethodsThis observational and case-control study consisted of mothers of infants weighing <2,500g (Group A), and mothers of newborns weighing ≥2,500g (Group B), born at Hospital da Mulher in Feira de Santana (BA), Brazil. A semi-structured questionnaire covering demographic data, gestational history and aspects related to general and oral health was employed postpartum. Following a complete periodontal examination, biofilm samples were collected at six sites in the mouth. The participants were further categorized in terms of presence or absence of periodontitis. Differences between the groups were determined using Pearson’s χ 2 test, odds ratio, and confidence intervals were obtained using the Mantel-Haenszel test.ResultsAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia and Prevotella intermedia were detected by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 303 postpartum women were evaluated, 224 (73.9%) in Group B. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found for age, body mass index and history of previous low birthweight babies. Group A had a higher frequency of periodontitis (33.34%) than Group B (16.22%). P. gingivalis and P. intermedia were detected more frequently among women with periodontitis (74.19% and 88.70%, respectively).ConclusionIn this population, there was no association between the presence of maternal periodontal pathogens and the occurrence of low birthweight infants.

Prenatal programming of the immune response induced by maternal periodontitis: Effects on the development of acute lung injury in rat pups

AimsOral cavity pathogens play an important systemic role, modulating the development of several diseases. Periodontitis is a very common oral disease associated with dental biofilm. It is characterized by gum inflammation, periodontal ligament degeneration, dental cementum and alveolar bone loss. Studies point to the association between maternal periodontitis and adverse outcomes during pregnancy. However, they did not evaluate the impact of maternal periodontitis in the offspring. Thus, our objective was to investigate the effects of maternal periodontitis in the immune system of offspring. Material and methodsFor this evaluation we induced acute lung injury in rat pups. Pregnant rats were submitted or not to periodontitis by ligature technique. Thirty days after the birth, offspring was submitted to acute lung inflammation by administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, Salmonella abortus equi, 5 mg/kg, ip). Key findingsOur results showed that maternal periodontitis increased myeloperoxidase activity, the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-17A in the bronchoalveolar fluid, the gene expression of TNF-alpha, IL-17A, and cyclooxygenases 1 and 2. In addition, maternal periodontitis did not alter the number of leukocytes migrated into the lung, tracheal responsiveness, expression of TLR4 and NF-KB translocation. SignificanceThis study showed prenatal programming of the immune response induced by maternal periodontitis, and reinforces the importance of oral health care during pregnancy.

Choosing the left fork: Steven Offenbacher and understanding maternal periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Steven Offenbacher was one of the first researchers to identify periodontal disease as a risk factor for various adverse pregnancy outcomes. Cohort and case-controlled studies of pregnant women have demonstrated periodontal disease as a risk factor for preterm birth, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Periodontal therapy during the second trimester improves maternal oral health but fails to reduce the risk of preterm birth. A possible association between periodontal disease and gestational diabetes has also been reported. In one model, periodontal bacteria gain access to the systemic circulation, and thereby the placenta, resulting in local inflammation, placental dysfunction, and, consequently, adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is crucial to increase awareness of the links between maternal periodontal and adverse pregnancy outcomes and to promote oral health prophylaxis during pregnancy.

The impact of maternal periodontitis in the development of asthma in the offspring.

Clinical and experimental studies show an association between maternal periodontitis and adverse outcomes during gestation. On the other hand, there were no studies evaluating the impact of maternal periodontitis on the offspring. Thus, our objective was to investigate the repercussion of maternal periodontitis on the development of asthma in the offspring. Pregnant rats were submitted or not to periodontitis by ligature technique. Thirty days after birth, the puppies were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) in order to induce asthmatic response. Our results showed that maternal periodontitis reduced cellular infiltrate in the parenchyma of offspring, tracheal responsiveness, lung edema, and anti-OVA antibodies, without alter mucus as well as cytokines production. We concluded that periodontitis has relevant impact on the offspring's immune system, blunting the response to allergic and inflammatory stimulus. This study shows the important role of oral health during pregnancy and opens possibilities for future studies in order to explain the effects of periodontitis during pregnancy in the offspring.

A relationship between maternal periodontal disease and preterm low birth weight: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundPreterm birth accompanied by low birth weight is considered to be one of the most important causes for neonatal mortality. Several researches have demonstrated that periodontitis could be an independent risk factor for this condition. The aim of this study is to evaluate relationship between the maternal periodontal health and preterm birth including low birth weight infants. Material & methodsA total of 90 patients were evaluated for the present study. The test group consisted of 45 patients having preterm delivery and low birth weight infants. The control group consisted of 45 patients having full term delivery with normal birth weight infants. The clinical periodontal parameters recorded were Debris Index (DI), Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), and Gingival Recession (GR). Birth weight was recorded from child's medical record while the gestational age was recorded from Dept. of Obstetrics JNMC, Sawangi (M) Wardha. ResultsThe mean DI, PBI, CAL, PPD, GR for control group was 0.66, 0.51, 1.73, 2.44, and 0.37 respectively while for test group it was 1.02, 1.07, 3.18, 2.36, and 1.14 respectively. There was significantly greater mean Clinical Attachment Loss in the test group compared to control group. ConclusionTherefore, it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between maternal periodontal disease and preterm birth and low birth weight.

Relationship between preterm birth and post-partum periodontal maternal status: a hospital-based Romanian study.

This cross-sectional case-control study of post-partum women aimed to estimate whether maternal periodontitis was a predictive contributor to preterm birth and to identify other risk factors associated with preterm birth in our target population. The case group included women who delivered preterm (74 cases) and the control group included women who had a normal term delivery (120 controls). Medical records, a 16-item questionnaire, and a full-mouth periodontal examination were used to collect information about socio-demographic characteristics, general health problems, birth-related information, behavioral factors and periodontal status. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the strength of the relationship between predictors and the categorical outcome variable, preterm birth. The bivariate analysis revealed the significant associations between preterm birth and socio-demographic factors (educational level, p = 0.003), antepartum smoking habit (p = 0.001) and birth weight lower than 2500g (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis highlighted that the presence of post-partum maternal periodontitis and its severity remained independent risk factors of preterm birth in the presence of antepartum smoking habit and route of delivery [adjusted OR 2.26, 95% CI (1.06; 4.82), respectively, OR 3.46, 95% CI (1.08; 11.15)]. Post-partum maternal periodontal disease and its severity might, in part, be considered as contributor to preterm deliveries before 37weeks of gestation.

Maternal knowledge and attitude about the relationship of periodontitis and its adverse obstetric outcomes in India

Background: Pregnancy is not a disease, but a normal physiological process; still it is associated with certain risk to the health and survival of both the mother and the child. Oral health is an essential component of the overall health status of a pregnant woman. Aim: This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude about the association between periodontitis and its adverse obstetric outcomes among pregnant women in Modinagar, North India. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted, which comprised of pregnant women visiting for Antenatal checkup at a public health care (Community Health Care) system in Modinagar, a North Indian city. A self-administered validated questionnaire in local language (Hindi) was used. This 30-item closed ended questionnaire consisted of different domains of oral hygiene practices, importance of periodontitis obstetric outcomes and demographic information. A 5 – point Likert scale was used to assess the attitudes of pregnant women. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Mean, Standard deviation, and Independent t-test were used to compare the knowledge and attitude about the association of maternal periodontitis and its adverse obstetric outcomes between the two groups of women: Prima gravida and Multi gravida. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Two hundred pregnant women participated in the study (50% each of Prima gravida and Multi gravida). The mean age of participants was found to be 32.88 ± 0.86 years. Most of the study population had poor knowledge (33%) and attitude (18.4%) about the association between maternal periodontitis and its adverse obstetric outcomes. For knowledge, a mean difference of 0.23 (P ≤ 0.05) between the two groups, which was found to be significant regarding whether visiting a dentist during pregnancy is necessary. First time pregnant (Prima gravida) has less knowledge compared with Multi gravida women regarding poor oral health which can lead to any complications during pregnancy. Conclusions: There is a knowledge deficit about pregnancy-induced periodontitis symptoms, prevention of complications and about the impact of obstetric outcomes among the mothers. Health-care providers should implement the focused health education programs during antenatal visit.

Association between excessive maternal weight, periodontitis during the third trimester of pregnancy, and infants' health at birth.

Excessive weight is associated with periodontitis because of inflammatory mediators secreted by the adipose tissue. Periodontal impairments can occur during pregnancy due to association between high hormonal levels and inadequate oral hygiene. Moreover, periodontitis and excessive weight during pregnancy can negatively affect an infant’s weight at birth. Objective This observational, cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity, periodontitis during the third trimester of pregnancy, and the infants' birth weight.Methodology The sample set was divided into 2 groups according to the preconception body mass index: obesity/overweight (G1=50) and normal weight (G2=50). Educational level, monthly household income, and systemic impairments during pregnancy were assessed. Pocket probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were obtained to analyze periodontitis. The children’s birth weight was classified as low (<2.5 kg), insufficient (2.5–2.999 kg), normal (3–3.999 kg), or excessive (≥4 kg). Bivariate analysis (Mann-Whitney U test, t-test, chi-squared test) and logistic regression (stepwise backward likelihood ratio) were performed (p<0.05).Results G1 showed lower socioeconomic levels and higher prevalence of arterial hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy than G2 (p=0.002). G1 showed higher means of PPD and CAL (p=0.041 and p=0.039, respectively) and therefore a higher prevalence of periodontitis than G2 (p=0.0003). G1 showed lower infants’ birth weight than G2 (p=0.0004). Excessive maternal weight and educational levels were independent variables associated with periodontitis during the third trimester of pregnancy (X2[2]=23.21; p<0.0001). Maternal overweight/obesity was also associated with low/insufficient birth weight (X2[1]=7.01; p=0.008).Conclusion The present findings suggest an association between excessive pre-pregnancy weight, maternal periodontitis, and low/insufficient birth weight.

&lt;p&gt;No association between the presence of periodontal disease and poor IVF outcomes: a pilot study&lt;/p&gt;

Background: Periodontal disease can lead to bacteremia with release of cytokines, affecting implantation in women trying to conceive through in vitro fertilization (IVF). A potential association between maternal periodontal disease and poor IVF outcomes has been described.Objective: The aim of the study is to assess whether pre-existing periodontal disease has any effect on IVF parameters.Method: A pilot study composed of 34 women was conducted at a tertiary care center. Prior to IVF, dental examination, IVF parameters were collected.Results: Thirty-four women participated in the study. The outcomes of 28 women (82.3%) were analyzed. Out of the 28 patients, 17 patients had a positive pregnancy test (60.7%) with a total of 13 live births (46.4%) and 4 pregnancy losses (14.3%). Plaque and bleeding index scores were both lower in patients who achieved pregnancy after IVF yet did not reach statistical significance (p=0.309 and 0.422). Comparison of mean values for the different infertility parameters showed no significant differences among women with different IVF outcomes (p>0.05). Different degrees of inflammation of the gingiva did not have an effect on the different clinical parameters and the live birth rates.Conclusion: The evidence provided by the present study does not support the hypothesis. Addressing the status of oral health before any infertility treatment remains to be elucidated.

Maternal periodontitis and preterm birth: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

To assess the association between periodontitis and preterm birth in women of childbearing age. This review included analytical case-control studies and prospective cohort studies evaluating the association between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth. Of the 3104 screened articles, 31 met the inclusion criteria for the review, and 20 met the quality criteria. The selected studies included a total of 10215 women. Twenty articles contributed to the meta-analysis; 16 used a case-control design, and 4 were prospective cohort studies. The study heterogeneity was low (Q=24.2464; P=0.1869; I2 =21.63%). A positive association between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth was found in 60% of the studies. Under the random-effects model, meta-analysis gave an odds ratio (OR) of 2.01 (95% CI 1.71, 2.36), representing a significant positive association between the explanatory and outcome variables. Pregnant mothers with periodontitis double the risk of preterm birth. There is a lack of international consensus for diagnosing maternal periodontitis.

Maternal Supplementation of Low Dose Fluoride Alleviates Adverse Perinatal Outcomes Following Exposure to Intrauterine Inflammation

Maternal periodontal disease has been linked to adverse pregnancy sequelae, including preterm birth (PTB); yet, root planing and scaling in pregnancy has not been associated with improved perinatal outcomes. Fluoride, a cariostatic agent, has been added to drinking water and dental products to prevent caries and improve dental health. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of fluoride supplementation using a mouse model of preterm birth and perinatal sequalae. Pregnant mice were fed low dose fluoride (LF−) or high dose fluoride (HF−) and given intrauterine injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). We found that LPS + LF− significantly increased livebirths, pup survival, and litter size compared to LPS alone. Moreover, offspring from the LPS + LF− group exhibited significantly improved neuromotor performance and more neurons compared to those from the LPS group. Additionally, LF− treatment on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) increased cell viability and decreased oxidative stress after treatment with LPS. Collectively, our data demonstrates that maternal LF− supplementation during pregnancy postpones the onset of PTB, acts to increase the liveborn rate and survival time of newborns, and reduces perinatal brain injury in cases of intrauterine inflammation.

Effect of maternal periodontitis on GLUT4 and inflammatory pathway in adult offspring

Maternal periodontal disease leads to low birth weight (LBW), insulin resistance (IR), increased TNF-α levels, and alterations in insulin signaling in adult offspring. TNF-α has been associated with the stimulation of IKKβ/NF-κB, resulting in the decreased expression of GLUT4. Another mechanism that may be involved in decreasing GLUT4 expression is DNA methylation. This study aimed to evaluate in the adult offspring of rats with periodontal disease: IR, inflammatory pathways, DNA methylation, and expression of GLUT4. Female Wistar rats were distributed into control and experimental periodontal disease groups. Seven days after induction of periodontal disease, both groups were mated with healthy male rats. After weaning, male offspring were distributed into control offspring (CN-o) and periodontal disease offspring (PED-o) groups. Body weights were measured from 0-75 days of age. At day 75, the following were measured in the offspring: IR (HOMA-IR index); TNF-α and NF-κBp65 content in the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) by western blotting; IKKα/β, JNK, ERK 1/2, NF-κBp65, and NF-κBp50 phosphorylation status in the GM by western blotting; DNA methylation by restriction digest and real-time PCR(qAMP); and expression of GLUT4 mRNA in the GM by real-time PCR. LBW, IR, increases in TNF-α, IKKα/β, ERK 1/2, NF-κBp65, and NF-κBp50 decreased expression of GLUT4 mRNA were observed in the PED-o rats. No differences were identified in JNK phosphorylation status and DNA methylation in the evaluated regions of the GLUT4-encoding gene Slc2a4. Maternal periodontal disease causes LBW, IR, activation of inflammatory pathways, and decreased GLUT4 expression in the GM of adult offspring.