Association between periodontal disease and adverse outcomes in pregnancy

Objectives. Aim of this paper is to evaluate the possible effects of periodontal status on the pathogenesis of preterm low birth weight (PLBW), given the suspected correlation between periodontal diseases and PLBW. Acting as a source of bacteria, endotoxins and inflammatory mediators, periodontal diseases might cause effects both on the foetus and on his physiological environment. Materials and methods. This study enrolled a sample of 50 pregnant women who filled out an anamnestic questionnaire and went through a periodontal examination. Results. The results obtained demonstrate that periodontal conditions of pregnant women have improved in the last years and that the risk of PLBW increases in primiparous and multipa- rous women with previous spontaneous abortions. Conclusions. Periodontal condition seems to influence neither pregnancy duration nor baby weight at birth.