Periodontal disease as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case–control studies

Abstract

Periodontal disease is a highly prevalent group of illnesses of microbial etiology, whose consequence is a severe breakdown of tooth-supporting structures. A link between periodontal infection and several systemic conditions, among which adverse pregnancy outcomes, has been suggested in the recent years. The aim of this review based on case-control studies was to evaluate if periodontal disease could be considered as a risk factor for preterm birth, low birth-weight and preterm low birth-weight. An electronic search (via Pubmed) was performed for case-control studies investigating the relationship between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. From the initially retrieved 417 articles, 17 case-control studies, accounting for a total of 10,148 patients, were included in the review and in the meta-analysis. The estimated odds ratio was 1.78 (CI 95%: 1.58, 2.01) for preterm birth, 1.82 (CI 95%: 1.51, 1.20) for low birth-weight and 3.00 (CI 95%: 1.93, 4.68) for preterm low birth-weight. Despite the results of the analysis of pooled data suggested a link between periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes, the presence of important confounders, whose effect could not be addressed, prevents a validation of the meta-analysis outcomes. Further more accurate investigations based on individual data analysis could give a better insight into the topic of the present review.

Prioritizing Pregnant Women’s Preferences to Receive Health Information Before and During Pregnancy in Semnan in 2014 - 2015

“…So, the findings of this study also suggest that pregnant women do not concern receiving information about how to take oral care. Other studies have also shown that pregnant women's awareness in the field of oral care is very partial (27)(28)(29).…”

Association between oral health knowledge and practices of Saudi Pregnant women in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

“…The importance of oral health in ensuring positive pregnancy outcomes is acknowledged (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). Nevertheless, hormonal alterations affecting oral health during pregnancy cannot be prevented.…”

“…These alterations may impose a burden on many women, leading them to neglect their general and oral health. There is a positive association between oral health problems such as periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and eclampsia, and good oral health can reduce the risk of these outcomes (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). In the same context, several factors are known to be associated with children's oral health status, including maternal oral health knowledge and status, education, occupation and age (6)(7)(8)(9)(10).…”

Oral Health Conditions and Dental Visits Among Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women of Childbearing Age in the United States, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2004

“…Studies suggest that intraoral infections may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (1–5). However, there is no conclusive evidence on these associations (6,7). Some adverse consequences of oral diseases (eg, tooth loss, pain) can be avoided by early treatment during regular dental visits.…”