Effect of per Capita Income on the Relationship between Periodontal Disease during Pregnancy and the Risk of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight Newborn. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This work analyzed the available evidence in the scientific literature about the risk of preterm birth and/or giving birth to low birth weight newborns in pregnant women with periodontal disease. A systematic search was carried out in three databases for observational cohort studies that related periodontal disease in pregnant women with the risk of preterm delivery and/or low birth weight, and that gave their results in relative risk (RR) values. Eleven articles were found, meeting the inclusion criteria. Statistically significant values were obtained regarding the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women with periodontitis (RR = 1.67 (1.17–2.38), 95% confidence interval (CI)), and low birth weight (RR = 2.53 (1.61–3.98) 95% CI). When a meta-regression was carried out to relate these results to the income level of each country, statistically significant results were also obtained; on the one hand, for preterm birth, a RR = 1.8 (1.43–2.27) 95% CI was obtained and, on the other hand, for low birth weight, RR = 2.9 (1.98–4.26) 95% CI. A statistically significant association of periodontitis, and the two childbirth complications studied was found, when studying the association between these results and the country’s per capita income level. However, more studies and clinical trials are needed in this regard to confirm the conclusions obtained.

“To enroll or not to enroll”: a qualitative study on preferences for dental insurance in Iran

“…Childhood malnutrition, social communication disorder, and probability of systemic diseases are only a part of the problems associated with oral diseases [4][5][6][7]. The immune system disorders and autoimmune responses, some types of cancer, and possibility of low birth weight (LBW) are other problems associated with oral diseases [4,5,8,9]. In addition to comorbidities, direct and indirect treatment costs related to oral diseases are significant.…”

Assessment of the Association of Periodontal Diseases in Pregnant Women and the Efficacy of Periodontal Treatment in the Context of Premature Births and Pregnancy Complications – a Narrative Review

“…For many years, periodontology has been concerned with the potential connection between the inflammatory foci in the oral cavity and systemic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, dementia and cardiovascular diseases. Similarly, an association with undesirable consequences for pregnancy such as premature birth, low birth weight and preeclampsia is discussed 4 5 8 . Inflammation of the periodontal bed (periodontitis) and gums (gingivitis) are common in women of reproductive potential 5 8 .…”

“…Similarly, an association with undesirable consequences for pregnancy such as premature birth, low birth weight and preeclampsia is discussed 4 5 8 . Inflammation of the periodontal bed (periodontitis) and gums (gingivitis) are common in women of reproductive potential 5 8 . The risk of periodontal inflammation is increased especially during pregnancy, and pre-existing gum disease tends to worsen during pregnancy 4 5 8 9 .…”

“…Inflammation of the periodontal bed (periodontitis) and gums (gingivitis) are common in women of reproductive potential 5 8 . The risk of periodontal inflammation is increased especially during pregnancy, and pre-existing gum disease tends to worsen during pregnancy 4 5 8 9 . The occurrence of chronic periodontitis in pregnancy is reported in the literature as 5% to 20%, and gingivitis as 30% to 100% 5 8 9 .…”

“…The risk of periodontal inflammation is increased especially during pregnancy, and pre-existing gum disease tends to worsen during pregnancy 4 5 8 9 . The occurrence of chronic periodontitis in pregnancy is reported in the literature as 5% to 20%, and gingivitis as 30% to 100% 5 8 9 . The susceptibility of pregnant women to inflammation in the oral cavity could be explained by the significantly altered hormonal balance in pregnancy, which changes the tissue morphology in the oral cavity 4 5 8 .…”