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Gum Disease and Preterm Birth

A recent study, published in the Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery, suggests that periodontal (gum) disease can play a more significant role in preterm labor than smoking.

From 1997 to 2001, over 1000 women less than 26 weeks pregnant were enrolled in the study. Each had a thorough gum exam and was categorized by the depth of the pockets around her teeth. The pockets provide the perfect environment for bacteria to flourish and inflammation to take root and spread in mild form throughout the body. The depth of the pockets near the wisdom teeth was directly related to the amount of systemic inflammation detected with a blood test.

Among this group, the rate of preterm birth reached 18%, which is nearly twice the rate in the general population. Because the study participants had been designated as high risk, the researchers cautioned that the results may not apply to all groups of pregnant women. They concluded, however, that all women and their care providers should be aware of the risks from periodontal disease.

Bakalar, Nicholas. “Gum Disease Is Linked To Rates of Early Birth.” New York Times, Oct. 11, 2005.