title: Periodontal disease -- the emergence of a risk for systemic conditions: pre-term low birth weight.
abstract: This paper addresses the problem of adverse pregnancy outcome in relation to periodontal disease. There is compelling evidence that a link exists between pre-term low birth weight (PLBW) and periodontitis. Although 25% to 50% of PLBW deliveries occur without any known aetiology, there is increasing evidence that infection may play a significant role in pre-term delivery. A model explaining the plausible relationship is proposed based upon the concept of infection leading to a cascade of inflammatory reactions associated with pre-term labour and periodontal disease. Current evidence has pointed to an interest in dental intervention studies to control periodontal disease as one of the potential strategies to reduce pre-term labour. This paper reviews the potential association between periodontal infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry (Periodontology), National Dental Centre, Singapore. alvinybk@hotmail.com
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Yeo
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Paquette
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors