Does Periodontitis Cause Preterm Birth? The Science Behind The Claim

The Link Between Periodontitis And Preterm Low Birth Weight

A number of studies have shown that sites of infection away from the uterus and the developing fetus can cause premature delivery. This was the basic tenet that was used to study whether periodontal infection could also have the same effect in women. Researchers found that not only were women with a periodontal infection 7 times more likely to have a preterm, low birth weight delivery but that the chances of this happening increased as the severity of the periodontal infection increased, as well.

To summarize that in plain language, any gum disease is a risk for a pregnant woman. If the gum disease has reached advanced stages, the risk of a preterm birth rises exponentially. 

The researchers concluded that this effect could be attributed to three main mechanisms of action. The first being a direct translocation of periodontal bacteria to the placenta, the second being a reservoir of harmful enzymes released by these bacteria being formed near the fetus and the third mentioning the role of pro-inflammatory mediators in causing premature contractions.

It is likely that a combination of all three factors is ultimately to blame for this increased risk. The question now becomes, can anything be done about that?

What Should Be Done To Prevent This?

For people who are planning their pregnancy, more and more gynecologists are recommending a dental check up along with other preventive tests. If the mother to be has not faced any symptoms of periodontitis earlier in life then it is more than likely that she does not suffer from severe periodontitis.

A round of scaling is still recommended, however, to ensure that even a small amount of plaque does not cause any problems like bleeding or gingival enlargement during the pregnancy.

For people who find out that they have severe periodontitis on their dental examination, they are advised to take temporary measures to lower the levels of destruction in their mouth. It may require a simple scaling, root planning or flap surgery along with the extraction of those teeth which are beyond saving.

The nature of the disease and its treatment means that time is of paramount importance of detection and treatment. Most people will not hold off on their pregnancy just because they have periodontitis, nor is it recommended.

READ What To Expect With A Preemie

What is recommended is that all focus of infection be minimized so that the chance of a premature delivery is reduced. It should be remembered that scaling can be done even during the second trimester to lessen the bacterial load and thus reduce the inflammatory markers being produced in the body. The earlier you get dental treatment, however, the better the odds of getting the gum disease under control before it wreaks havoc.

Conclusion

The importance of oral health and the far-flung effects it can have on other parts of the body is becoming more and more clear. This is especially true for gum disease and other systemic diseases of the body that have a common link in inflammation.

The link between periodontitis and preterm, low birth weight deliveries is moderate and the exact amount of effect it may have varies from study to study. There is no denying the fact that there is a relationship. Simple oral hygiene measures can prevent these things from ever occurring and that is where the focus should be on.    ​