PERIODONTITIS AND BIRTH OF PRETERM INFANTS WITH LOW WEIGHT: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Abstract. About 9.6% of infants are born prematurely around the world. In addition to infection of reproductive system, inflammation and infection of distant organs are one of the risk factors for preterm low birth weight (PTLBW). Since periodontitis is a prevalent disease and also premature labor is a common complication with high treatment cost, it is important to elucidate the relationship between these two conditions. Such a knowledge could be helpful to prioritize the preventive interventions for reduction of adverse pregnancy outcome. Epidemiologic studies , as the first line of evidence,showed the higher prevalence of PTLBW among women with periodontitis. When a condition is being proposed as a risk factor, it is necessary to explain the biologic mechanisms underlying such a relationship. The relationship between periodontitis and PTLBW is biologically plausible. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which anaerobic bacteria being colonized in deep pathologic pockets and produce large amount of inflammatory mediators. Perio-pathogens and their products enter the placenta and amniotic fluids. They could activate the inflammatory signaling pathways and induce the PTLBW. Despite the large number of randomized control trial (RCT) studies, the effect of periodontal treatmenton the incidence of PTLBW is not well understood. Although the periodontal treatment could not necessarily reduce the incidence of PTLBW, but oral hygiene, is a pivotal compartment of health care during pregnancy. The aim of this article was to review the current evidences about different aspects of the relationship between periodontitis and PTLBW.Key words: periodontitis, periodontal diseases, pregnancy, preterm birth, low birth weight