Choroba przyzębia a poród przedwczesny i niska masa urodzeniowa noworodków w świetle badań klinicznych Periodontal disease and preterm low birth weight in a clinical study

Summary Introduction: Recent studies have suggested that periodontal infection may be associated with preterm births and low birth weight. They have inspired the authors to undertake research in that area that would contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms that connect both pathologies. Additionally, the hypothesis that bacteria present in pathological pockets affect the placenta required verification. Aim of the study: The condition of periodontal tissues was assessed in pregnant women with oral hygiene index (OHI) and sulcus bleeding index (SBI). Women who gave preterm birth with low birth weight had their results compared with those manifested by women who gave term birth to infants with normal weight. Materials and methods: 175 pregnant women had their medical histories taken followed by a full periodontal exam. Results: 4 women (2.29%) manifested pregnancy gingivitis, others had chronic periodontitis. 158 patients (90.8%) had slight or moderate periodontitis, and 12 patients (6.89%) severe periodontitis. Conclusions: Poor oral hygiene and pathological changes in the periodontium point to inadequate and insufficient dental care among pregnant women as well as poor co-operation between a gynecologist/ obstetrician and a dentist.