Maternal periodontal status and preterm low birth weight delivery: a case–control study
Objectives: To assess the association between severity and extent of maternal periodontal disease and preterm birth/ low birth weight (PLBW) among women in the north of Jordan.   Methods: A total of 148 woman who gave preterm birth/ low birth weight birth and 438 women with uncomplicated full term vaginal delivery were included in this study. Socio-demographic characteristics, antenatal history, medical history, and family medical history were collected Through personal interview or abstracted from maternal records. The oral hygiene status and periodontal and dental parameters were assessed for all women.   Results: The average of probing pocket depth (PPD) and average of clinical attachment level (CAL) were signiWcantly higher among women who gave PLBW babies. The mean gingival recession was not signiWcantly diVerent between the two groups. The percentages of sites with PPD ¸ 3 mm and CAL ¸ 3 mm were signiWcantly higher among women who gave PLBW babies. Number of decayed teeth, number Wlled teeth, and number of missing teeth Showed no signiWcant association with PLBW delivery. Conclusion: The extent and severity of periodontal diseases appeared to be associated with increased odds of PLBW delivery. Nevertheless, more and larger intervention trials are needed before it can be fully accepted that periodontal infection is a true risk factor for PLBW.