Impact of Periodontal Disease on Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth

Abstract

Preterm birth represents a major problem in the world because of its increasing frequency and accompanying socioeconomic impact. Globally prematurity is the leading cause of newborn deaths and now the second leading cause of death after pneumonia under age of five. Periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes may be linked through a chronic, systemic inflammatory challenge to the mother and fetus in response to pathogens. Several studies in the past have demonstrated an association between infection and preterm birth. However several other risk factors need to be considered. The principle reasons cited for the continued high rate of preterm and low birth weight is poor understanding of the risk factors associated. This article explains the association between preterm birth and periodontitis by stating various complications of preterm birth, pathophisiology of the associated risk factors like bacterial infection, viral infection, gene polymorphism, adaptive immune responses, preeclampsia. The early diagnostic predictors in the form of biomarkers and the effect of periodontal therapy in preventing the preterm birth are discussed. As Peridontitis is an important risk factor for preterm birth there is a need to expand preventive measures during pregnancy to avoid this adverse effect.