Maternal periodontal disease and preterm birth: A case-control study

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: Maternal periodontal disease and preterm birth: A case-control study
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
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Original source:

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Author:

Pushpalatha Govindaraju, Sanjay Venugopal, Madhura Antharasanahalli Shivakumar, Shruthi Sethuraman, Santhosh Kumar Ramaiah, Sowmya Mukundan


Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:

(A bimonthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Maternal periodontal disease and preterm birth: A case-control study

Year: 2015 | Doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.164751

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Preterm birth (PTB) represents a significant public health concern and is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Various maternal risk factors contribute to the likelihood of experiencing PTB, including age, nutritional status, and chronic infections. Emerging evidence suggests that periodontal disease, a prevalent condition affecting the oral cavity, may be linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly PTB and low birth weight. This study aims to investigate the relationship between maternal periodontitis and the incidence of PTB, highlighting the possible implications for maternal and infant health.

The Impact of Periodontitis on Pregnancy Outcomes

The study involved 40 healthy primiparous mothers, categorized into two groups: those who experienced PTB (n = 20) and those with full-term births (FTB, n = 20). Various clinical parameters related to periodontal health were assessed in both groups. Results revealed significant differences in gestational age at delivery and birth weight, with PTB infants being born earlier and weighing less. Furthermore, the PTB group exhibited poorer periodontal health indicators, including higher rates of bleeding, increased probing pocket depth, and greater clinical attachment loss compared to the FTB group. These findings suggest a significant correlation between poor periodontal health and adverse pregnancy outcomes, reinforcing the hypothesis that maternal periodontitis could be a high-risk factor for PTB.

Conclusion

The study concludes that there is a discernible relationship between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth, indicating that poor oral health can negatively impact pregnancy outcomes. As periodontitis is a widespread and treatable condition, these findings underscore the need for further research to establish causation. Additionally, it emphasizes the critical role of healthcare providers in advocating for oral health among expectant mothers as a preventive measure against possible adverse pregnancy outcomes. Future multicenter trials are necessary to confirm the association and enhance public health strategies aimed at improving maternal and infant health through better periodontal care.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the purpose of the study on maternal periodontitis?

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth (PTB) outcomes, assessing whether poor periodontal health could be a risk factor for PTB.

How were participants selected for the study on PTB?

The study recruited 40 systemically healthy primiparous mothers aged 18–35. They were categorized into PTB cases and full-term birth (FTB) controls based on gestational age at delivery.

What were the significant results regarding birth weight and gestational age?

The study found that infants in the PTB group had significantly lower birth weight (2.231 kg) and shorter gestational periods (36.4 weeks) compared to those in the FTB group.

What correlation was found between periodontal health and preterm birth?

A statistically significant relationship was observed, indicating poorer periodontal health among PTB mothers. Additionally, a positive correlation existed between gestational age and periodontal clinical parameters.

What is the conclusion regarding periodontitis and pregnancy outcomes?

The study suggests that maternal periodontitis could negatively impact pregnancy outcomes. It highlights the need for further research to confirm its role as a risk factor for PTB.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Maternal periodontal disease and preterm birth: A case-control study”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Table:
In the context of the study, 'Table' refers to a systematic presentation of data that summarizes various findings, such as demographic variables, clinical parameters, and results from statistical analyses. Tables help in clearly visualizing the differences and relationships observed between preterm birth (PTB) and full-term birth (FTB) groups, supporting the overall conclusions drawn from the research.

2) Study (Studying):
The term 'Study' denotes a research investigation aimed at exploring a specific hypothesis or question. In this context, the study investigates the potential relationship between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth, contributing to the understanding of factors influencing pregnancy outcomes and public health implications related to maternal oral health.

3) Birth:
'Birth' refers to the delivery of a baby and is a central focus of the research. The study categorizes births into preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation) and full-term, assessing the implications of maternal periodontal health on these outcomes. Understanding birth timing is critical for recognizing risks associated with premature births.

4) Disease:
'Disease' in this context primarily refers to periodontal disease, an infection affecting oral health that can have systemic implications. It is hypothesized that such diseases may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, underscoring the importance of maternal health and hygiene practices during pregnancy to mitigate these risks.

5) Labour (Labor):
'Labor' is the physiological process through which childbirth occurs, which can be spontaneous or induced. Understanding the timing and nature of labor is essential in this study to differentiate between preterm and full-term births, aiding the examination of related factors including maternal health and infections that could influence labor outcomes.

6) Bleeding:
'Bleeding' often refers to bleeding on probing in periodontal assessments, which is significant for evaluating oral health. The study highlights the relationship between periodontal health and pregnancy outcomes, with increased bleeding potentially indicating poorer periodontal health that could correlate with risks for preterm birth and adverse outcomes.

7) Hygiene (Hygienic):
'Hygiene' relates to cleanliness and prevention of infections, notably oral hygiene in pregnant women within the study. Good oral hygiene practices are vital to preventing periodontal disease, which is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, highlighting the role of oral health care in maternal and infant wellness.

8) Siddhartha (Siddha-artha):
Siddhartha refers to the Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Hospital, the institution where the research was conducted. Its relevance is in providing a clinical setting for the study, facilitating the collection of data from pregnant women, and contributing to the knowledge base on maternal health within that locality.

9) Inflammation:
'Inflammation' is a crucial biological response that links periodontal disease and pregnancy outcomes. The study explores how inflammatory mediators from periodontal infections may influence the likelihood of preterm labor, thereby enhancing understanding of the connections between oral health, inflammation, and risk factors for preterm birth.

10) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the section of the study where the authors interpret the results, compare findings with existing literature, and elaborate on the implications. This part aids in drawing conclusions about the relationship between maternal periodontal health and preterm births, establishing a context for implications for public health.

11) Learning:
'Learning' in this context encompasses the acquisition of knowledge regarding risk factors for preterm births, particularly related to periodontal health. The study contributes to the broader understanding of how oral health impacts pregnancy outcomes, emphasizing educational needs for both healthcare providers and expectant mothers.

12) Pregnant:
'Pregnant' describes women who are carrying a fetus. The focus on this population is vital for understanding how certain health conditions, such as periodontitis, can impact pregnancy outcomes. The study aims to determine if maternal periodontal disease is a significant risk factor for preterm births among pregnant women.

13) Account:
'Account' in this context could relate to the acknowledgment or consideration of various risk factors like maternal periodontal health in the assessment of pregnancy outcomes. Understanding these factors allows for a comprehensive view of what contributes to preterm versus full-term births, fulfilling an essential aspect of research validity.

14) Nature:
'Nature' refers to the inherent characteristics or essence of a phenomenon, such as the nature of periodontal disease. In the study, understanding the biological and inflammatory nature of these diseases can illuminate their potential effects on pregnancy outcomes, informing better preventive strategies in maternal health.

15) India:
'India' is mentioned in the context of significant preterm birth rates. It highlights the need for focused research on maternal health issues within the region, addressing public health concerns and better highlighting the implications of factors such as maternal periodontal health in the context of Indian maternal healthcare.

16) Death:
'Death' relates to one of the serious outcomes associated with preterm birth, particularly due to complications from prematurity. Understanding the risk factors leading to preterm birth, such as periodontal disease, is crucial for reducing infant mortality and morbidity rates, which are significant public health concerns.

17) Pur:
'Poor' describes the inadequate oral health conditions observed in the PTB group compared to the FTB group. This suggests that poor periodontal health may correlate with higher rates of preterm births and underlines the importance of involving oral health assessments in prenatal care to improve overall pregnancy outcomes.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Maternal periodontal disease and preterm birth: A case-control study’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Infant mortality, Inclusion and exclusion criteria, Systemic disease, Preterm birth, Maternal periodontitis, Study aim.

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