Periodontal Disease and Birth Outcomes: Are We Missing Something?

AbstractPurpose of ReviewPeriodontal disease is a widespread inflammatory disorder influenced by microbial, genetic, and environmental factors. Dr. Robert J. Genco was a pioneer in recognizing the connection between periodontal disease and systemic diseases. His early work reported a “two-way street” with respect to diabetes mellitus such that those with diabetes are more susceptible to periodontal disease and the severity of diabetes increases in those with periodontal disease. Dr. Genco also proposed that periodontal disease could impact cardiovascular and pulmonary diseas es as well as oral cancers. Here, we review the recent literature on the potential role of periodontal disease on another health concern, that of adverse birth outcomes including preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes.Recent FindingsRisks associated with the development of periodontal disease and risks posed by periodontal disease are discussed, including that of adverse birth outcomes, with attention to potential confounding variables in different study populations and conflicting reports on the efficacy of intervention during pregnancy. Suggested mechanisms whereby periodontal disease contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes include infection and inflammation of the uterus, placenta, and fetus induced by bloodborne pathogenic microorganisms and/or bacterial products. The potential role of genetic and epigenetic factors influencing the resp...

Source: Current Oral Health Reports - February 11, 2020 Category: Dentistry Source Type: research