A cluster randomized trial of xylitol chewing gum for prevention of preterm birth: The PPaX trial.

Background: Maternal periodontal disease is associated with preterm and low-birthweight deliveries, but randomized trials of likely efficacious treatments (e.g., dental scaling and root planing) during pregnancy have not reduced these adverse outcomes.

Population-Based Estimation of Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease Rates of Gravid and Recently Postpartum Women in Lilongwe, Malawi.

 The objective of this study was to determine the rate of dental caries and periodontal disease among gravid and recently postpartum women at five delivery centers within and surrounding Lilongwe, Malawi.  We partnered with obstetric specialists, community health workers, and dentists to perform dental history interviews and dental examinations during the study period from December 2012 to May 2014. Dental examinations were performed according to World Health Organization standards to assess periodontal and oral health status.