Periodontitis as a risk factor for preterm low-birth weight babies: A litterature review

Abstract

Periodontitis is reported to be associated with preterm low-birth weight (PLBW) and is claimed to be one of its risk factors. This literature review examines evidence supporting the role of periodontitis in the occurrence of PLBW. PubMed, medIND and WHO indices were searched for published studies, (cross-sectional, case-control, longitudinal, experimental) using the key words: pregnancy, periodontitis. There is enough evidence to implicate periodontitis as a risk factor for preterm low-birth weight even though recent studies haven’t shown a significant relation. New researches with population-specific definitions of PLBW and periodontal diseases must be done for a better assessment of the relation between periodontitis and PLBW.