Periodontal therapy reduces the rate of preterm low birth weight in women with pregnancy-associated gingivitis.

Background: One hypothesis to explain the association between periodontal disease (PD) preterm/low birth weight (PT/LBW) is that PT/LBW may be indirectly mediated through translocation of bacteria or bacterial products in the systemic circulation. Transient bacteremias occur in subjects with marginal periodontitis or with gingivitis, and it is possible that bacteria and their products may reach the placental membranes hematogenously and provide the inflammatory effect to induce preterm labor. The effect of gingivitis as a potential risk factor for PT/LBW has still not been studied.

Periodontal Therapy Reduces the Rate of Preterm Low Birth Weight in Women With Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis.

Background: One hypothesis to explain the association between periodontal disease (PD) preterm/low birth weight (PT/LBW) is that PT/LBW may be indirectly mediated through translocation of bacteria or bacterial products in the systemic circulation. Transient bacteremias occur in subjects with marginal periodontitis or with gingivitis, and it is possible that bacteria and their products may reach the placental membranes hematogenously and provide the inflammatory effect to induce preterm labor. The effect of gingivitis as a potential risk factor for PT/LBW has still not been studied.