ORCID

0000-0002-1637-407X (Salama), 0000-0001-7421-3381 (Al-Taiar)

College

College of Health Sciences

Department

Community & Environmental Health

Graduate Level

Doctoral

Graduate Program/Concentration

Health Services Research

Publication Date

2023

DOI

10.25883/1pwf-gz71

Abstract

Pregnancy involves complex physical and hormonal changes that significantly impact almost every organ system, including the oral cavity. The presence of oral disease in women has consequences for both their child and their health. The two main oral conditions linked to pregnancy are gingivitis and periodontal disease. Several studies have demonstrated that there is a positive association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW). PTB and LBW are among the leading causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity. It has been hypothesized that periodontal disease may cause PTB and/or LBW either directly through the presence of gram-negative anaerobic bacteremia originating in the gingival biofilm or indirectly through the production of pro-inflammatory markers which enter the bloodstream from the gingival submucosa. The ultimate result of both pathogenic pathways is the same, the development of an immune inflammatory response and/or the local suppression of growth factors in the fetal–placental unit (including the myometrium, membranes, amniotic fluid, placenta, circulation, and fetal tissues), which in turn shortens gestational age and triggers labor. Overall, the impact of treating maternal periodontitis on the risk of PTB or LBW remains unclear despite numerous observational studies reporting that periodontal disease is positively associated with adverse birth outcomes. Despite that umbrella reviews of systematic reviews have been published on this topic, recent high-quality systematic reviews have been published and thus, there is a need for updated umbrella reviews that includes evidence from multiple sources. In the present umbrella review, we aim to review the evidence of the impact of treating maternal periodontitis on the risk of PTB and LBW, which is a prerequisite to formulating guidelines regarding this issue.

Keywords

Pregnancy, Low birth weight, Preterm birth, Periodontal disease, Periodontal treatment

Disciplines

Dental Hygiene | Dental Public Health and Education | Dentistry | Maternal and Child Health | Periodontics and Periodontology | Women's Health

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Impact of Treating Maternal Periodontal Disease on the Risk of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews


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