Relationship between periodontal inflammation and fetal growth in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study

Purpose Periodontal disease in pregnant women, evaluated by probing pocket depth (PPD) or clinical attachment level (CAL), significantly increases the risk of subsequent preterm birth (PB) and/or low birth weight (LBW). However, PPD and CAL do not always reflect current periodontal tissue inflammation. Therefore, assessment of bleeding on probing index (BOP), an indicator of periodontal inflammation, may be appropriate. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between periodontal inflammation and fetal growth in pregnant women after periodontal treatment.