Is there an association between periodontal disease, prematurity and low birth weight? A population‐based study

Abstract

Background: The relationship between periodontal diseases in pregnancy and children born prematurely or with low birth weight has been increasingly investigated, showing inconclusive results. Objectives: To test the link between periodontal disease in pregnant women and low birth weight or prematurity. Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study was carried out in Southern Brazil. The sample consisted of 449 parturients who were interviewed and examined up to 48 h post-partum. Three outcomes were investigated: low birth weight, prematurity and prematurity and/or birth weight. Periodontal disease, the exposure, was defined as (i) at least one site with a periodontal pocket; (ii) the presence of pockets at four or more sites. Socio-demographic information relating to health and maternal habits was collected through a questionnaire and by hospital medical records. Simple and multiple regression analysis was performed. Findings: There was no statistically significant association between periodontal disease and low birth weight. Periodontal pocket was not associated with low birth weight and/or pre-term birth after being adjusted. A periodontal pocket in at least one site was associated with prematurity ( odds ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval 1.0-6.9) even after adjusting for maternal schooling, parity, number of previous children of low birth weight, number of pre-natal consultations and body mass index. After the introduction of variables relating to maternal health during pregnancy, this association disappeared. Conclusions: No association was found between periodontal disease in the mother and the low birth weight. An association between prematurity and periodontal pockets was found but it was confounded by maternal health variables.