The Oral Conditions and Pregnancy Study: Periodontal Status of a Cohort of Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: Our objective was to describe the oral health of pregnant women, to determine oral health changes during pregnancy, and to determine factors associated with maternal periodontal health or disease. Materials and Methods: Between December 1997 and July 2001, 1,224 pregnant women at Results: Among 903 women, there was a significant increase in those with health/periodontal disease absence between enrollment and delivery (P Conclusions: Oral health examinations were well accepted by pregnant women. An increase in attachment loss may represent active periodontal infection accelerated by pregnancy. Further study on racial disparity in oral health among pregnant women is needed. Continued efforts to evaluate and establish appropriate definitions of oral disease in pregnancy are warranted. J Periodontol 2004;75:116‐126.