Aim and Background:It has been suggested that periodontitis is associated with systemic alterations such as adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, some conflicting results have been reported. This study was conducted to determine the association between periodontitis and preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW) to obtain information which is necessary for the planning of preventive programs of periodontal disease for pregnant women in this area.Materials & Methods:This case-control study was performed on 264 mothers. The index used to determine oral hygiene and periodontal diseases is Community Periodontal Index Treatment Needs (CPITN).Results:The mothers in the sample group with single delivery delivered 8 times low birth weight infants more than the mothers in the control group with single delivery. And also the mothers in the sample group with multiple deliveries; delivered 10 times low birth weight infants and 8 times premature infant more than the mothers in the control group.Conclusion:More studies should be carried out in through preventing and treating periodontal diseases, expenses incurred due to preterm labor and low birth weight decrease and the society will witness fewer mental problems suffered by such children as they grow up. So we can emphasize the importance of periodontal care in prenatal health programs. And we may suggest that a special program of periodontal disease prevention for pregnant women is very necessary.

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PurposeThe receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK)/RANK ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system plays a significant role in osteoclastogenesis, activation of osteoclasts, and regulation of bone resorption. This study aimed to evaluate the use of the salivary soluble RANKL (sRANKL)/OPG ratio as a diagnostic marker for periodontitis in nonsmokers.MethodsTwenty-five patients with chronic periodontitis and 25 individuals with a healthy periodontium were enrolled in this study. Samples containing 5 mL of unstimulated saliva were obtained from each subject. Salivary sRANKL and OPG concentrations were determined using a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS ver. 18.0.ResultsThe levels of sRANKL and OPG were detectable in all of the samples. Positive relationships were found between the plaque index and clinical attachment level and both the salivary concentration of sRANKL and the salivary sRANKL/OPG ratio (P<0.05). The salivary concentration of sRANKL and the sRANKL/OPG ratio were significantly higher in the periodontitis group than in the healthy group (P=0.004 and P=0.001, respectively). In contrast, the OPG concentration showed no significant differences between the groups (P=0.455).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the salivary sRANKL/OPG ratio may be helpful in the screening and diagnosis of periodontitis. However, longitudinal studies with larger populations are needed to confirm these results.

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