The Effects of Periodontal Treatment on Preterm Low Birth Weight Incidence among Pregnant Women with Mild to Moderate Periodontitis

Most of the studies support the statement that maternal periodontitis may be a risk factor for infants with preterm delivery and low-birth-weight (PLBW). The aim of the present research was to determine the effects of periodontal treatment on incidence of PLBW among women with mild to moderate periodontitis. 60 pregnant women received dental and periodontal examination [probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP)]. 30 of these pregnant women (the treatment group) received professional oral hygiene treatment including plaque and calculus removal and root planning at the beginning and end of 8th month of pregnancy. The control group just received the periodontal examination. The mean length of pregnancy and birth-weight were compared between the groups. Statistical analysis was determined using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, independent-sample t, Mann-Whitney U, Pearson and Spearman tests. The incidence of PLBW in treatment group was significantly lower than the control group (P = 0.006). No correlation was found between clinical parameters and the time of pregnancy or infant's weight. There was a weak positive correlation between the infant's weight and the improvement of clinical parameters. The results support the hypothesis that maternal periodontal disease is associated with infant prematurity and low birth weight. Therefore, the periodontal treatment can contribute to optimal date of delivery and achieving greater birth-weight.