The Association of Maternal Periodontal Diseases in the Postpartum Period with Preterm Low Birth Weight

Abstract

Aim: Preterm birth is the most adverse effect of pregnancy, commonly leading to low birth weight. Our study aimed to assess the relationship between maternal periodontal status and adverse pregnancy outcomes by immediate postpartum periodontal examination and diagnosis. Materials and methods: 125 mothers were divided into four groups based on gestational day (GD) and newborns’ birth weight (BW); the mothers with GD ≥ 259 days and BW ≥ 2500 gm (Control), the mothers with GD <259 days and BW ≥ 2500 gm (PT group), the mothers with GD ≥ 259 days and BW <2500 gm (LBW group), and the mothers with GD <259 days and BW <2500 gm (PT-LBW group). The maternal periodontal assessment was carried out within 3 days after delivery. Results: The bleeding on probing (BOP) of the PT-LBW group was significantly higher than the control (P = 0.027). The correlation test revealed a mild inverse relationship between BOP and BW (R = –0.23, P= 0.044). According to the new 2018 American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) periodontal classification, there was no significant difference between periodontal status within groups. Conclusion: The present study suggests that BOP, an early sign of gingival inflammation, is involved in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Clinical significance: This study is the first of its kind to use immediate postpartum periodontal examination and diagnosis by the new 2018 AAP periodontal classification. The findings demonstrate that signs of gingival inflammation may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.