Periodontitis in Pregnant Women: A Possible Link to Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

Background: Periodontitis develops in 11% of pregnant women, and it is independently linked to severe complications during pregnancy such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and gestational diabetes. Methods: A literature search (Pubmed/MEDLINE, and Scopus) from 2003 to 2023 was conducted to analyze studies focused on periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results: 16 articles have been included. Most of the studies showed adverse outcomes, like preterm birth and the low weight of the unborn child, are among the most frequent consequences (respectively 62.5% and 68.7% of articles); pre-eclampsia is also linked to this condition (12.5% of articles); and perinatal mortality (12.5% of articles). Conclusions: Periodontal disease appears to be associated with adverse events in pregnancy due to the transport of biofilm bacteria into the bloodstream and into placental tissue; what would cause adverse events is the body's immune response to infection.

Automated summary

Periodontitis is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth, low birth weight, and gestational diabetes. A review of 16 articles found that preterm birth and low birth weight were the most common consequences, followed by preeclampsia and perinatal mortality. The transport of biofilm bacteria into the bloodstream and placental tissue may cause these adverse events, along with the body's immune response to infection.