Assessment of the Relationship between Maternal Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth: A Prospective Single-center Study

Background: Although periodontitis is associated with many chronic diseases, the relationship between maternal periodontitis and premature birth of neonates has been controversial. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the relationship between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth. In addition, this study provides insight to the medical professionals and paramedical personnel about screening for periodontal diseases during antenatal consultations to avoid poor pregnancy outcomes. Methodology: A prospective study was carried out on pregnant females attending the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary care hospital in Jaipur city. A total of 120 pregnant women were included. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the correlation between possible risk factors and the periodontitis predictor variable. Results: There was a statistically significant association between periodontitis and premature birth. Women with periodontitis had seven times the odds of delivering preterm infants compared to women who did not have periodontitis (adjusted odds ratio: 7.73, 95% confidence interval: 3.25, 18.41). Conclusion: The findings of the study support that periodontitis has the potential to cause a sevenfold rise in the risk of preterm birth. Hence, it should be identified early and treated.