Periodontal Diseases and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Review of the Evidence and Implications for Clinical Practice

Authors: Jared, Heather¹; Boggess, Kim A²

Source: Journal of Dental Hygiene, Number 3, Summer Supplement, 1 July 2008 , pp. 24-24(1)

Publisher: American Dental Hygienists' Association

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Abstract:

Periodontal diseases affect the majority of the population either as gingivitis or periodontitis. Recently there have been many studies that link or seek to find a relationship between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases including, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. For adverse pregnancy outcomes, the literature is inconclusive and the magnitude of the relationship between these 2 has not been fully decided. The goal of this paper is to review the literature regarding periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and provide oral health care providers with resources to educate their patients. Alternatively, this paper will also discuss what is occurring to help increase the availability of care for pregnant women and what oral health care providers can do to help improve these issues.

Keywords: gingivitis; periodontitis; preterm labor; preterm birth; low birthweight

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Dental Ecology, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC; Center for Oral Systemic Disease, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC 2: Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC

Publication date: 2008-06-01

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