Periodontal infection and preterm birth: results of a prospective study.

Posted on December 31st, 2009 | In General, Gum Diseases

Am Dent Assoc. 2001 Jul;132(7):875-80.

Jeffcoat MK, Geurs NC, Reddy MS, Cliver SP, Goldenberg RL, Hauth JC.

Department of Periodontics, University of Alabama School of Dentistry, Birmingham 35294, USA.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that chronic periodontal infection may be associated with preterm births. The authors conducted a prospective study to test for this association.

METHODS: A total of 1,313 pregnant women were recruited from the Perinatal Emphasis Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Complete periodontal, medical and behavioral assessments were made between 21 and 24 weeks gestation. After delivery, medical records were consulted to determine each infant’s gestational age at birth. From these data, the authors calculated relationships between periodontal disease and preterm birth, while adjusting for smoking, parity (the state or fact of having born offspring), race and maternal age. Results were expressed as odds ratios and 95 percent confidence intervals, or CIs.

RESULTS: Patients with severe or generalized periodontal disease had adjusted odds ratios (95 percent CI) of 4.45 (2.16-9.18) for preterm delivery (that is, before 37 weeks gestational age). The adjusted odds ratio increased with increasing prematurity to 5.28 (2.05-13.60) before 35 weeks’ gestational age and to 7.07 (1.70-27.4) before 32 weeks’ gestational age.

CONCLUSIONS: The authors’ data show an association between the presence of periodontitis at 21 to 24 weeks’ gestation and subsequent preterm birth. Further studies are needed to determine whether periodontitis is the cause.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: While this large prospective study has shown a significant association between preterm birth and periodontitis at 21 to 24 weeks’ gestation, neither it nor other studies to date were designed to determine whether treatment of periodontitis will reduce the risk of preterm birth. Pending an answer to this important question, it remains appropriate to advise expectant mothers about the importance of good oral health.

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Periodontal health of London women during early pregnancy.

Posted on December 31st, 2009 | In General, Gum Diseases

Br Dent J. 2001 Nov 24;191(10):570-3.

Moore S, Ide M, Wilson RF, Coward PY, Borkowska E, Baylis R, Bewley S, Maxwell DJ, Mulhair L, Ashley FP.

Department of Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Guy’s King’s and St. Thomas’ Dental Institute, King’s College, London.

OBJECTIVES: A descriptive cross-sectional study to determine the severity of periodontal disease in early pregnancy and its relation to demographic variables in a South East London population.

METHODS: 2,027 pregnant women attending Guy’s Hospital for an ultrasound scan at 10 to 14 weeks gestation were assessed. Data were collected via questionnaire and periodontal examination, including plaque and bleeding scores, pocket probing depth and loss of attachment.

RESULTS: Mean age was 29.8 years (sd 5.5). Of these, 61.8% were white, 28.5% black, and 9.7% of other ethnic group. A total of 15% reported smoking during pregnancy. The mean number of teeth present was 28 (sd 2) per subject, mean percentage of sites with plaque present was 60.5% (sd 22.6), mean pocket depth was 2.0 mm (sd 0.4), mean loss of attachment was 0.4 mm (sd 0.3), and the mean percentage of sites bleeding on probing was 20.2% (sd 16.3). Linear regression demonstrated that probing depth was related to age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and plaque score but not to smoking whereas loss of attachment demonstrated relationships with age, smoking status and plaque score but not ethnicity or socioeconomic status.

CONCLUSION: There was a relatively high proportion of subjects with deep periodontal pockets in this pregnant population compared to the Adult Dental Health Survey 1998 but with similar levels of loss of attachment and percentage of sites with plaque present. Several demographic factors were associated with the level of periodontal disease in this population.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog at RivergateDentalCare.com, you can learn more about our dental services by reading our blogs. We have additional information concerning pregnancy and diabetes, pregnancy and gum disease, diabetes dentistry, cosmetic dental work such as lumineers and teeth whitening. Information on  oral health, systemic connection with periodontal disease, tooth extractions, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry and sedation solutions, gum disease, root canals, children’s dentist, family dentist, smile solutions. Rivergate Dental Care is located in Goodlettsville TN, Rivergate area and provides dental services to Nashville and the surrounding areas including Gallatin, Hendersonville, White House and Greenbrier. We have three doctors in our office: Dr. David Weaver, Dr John Friedmann and Dr Katie Ham (female dentist). We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and also work with Delta Dental. Call today to schedule an appointment! We offer free exam and free x-rays to all new patients! 1 800 FIX MY TEETH (1 800 349 6983).