title: Periodontitis as a risk factor for preterm low birth weight.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is growing evidence showing that a number of complex human diseases are caused or are at least influenced by periodontal diseases. Such diseases include cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. The aim of study was to evaluate periodontal diseases as a risk factor for a preterm low birth weight.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 48 mothers, 20 of who had a preterm low birth weight delivery, were examined in the Clinics of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cumhuriyet University. The periodontal exams consisted of a full mouth pocket depth, a Loe and Sillness Gingival index score measurements, and a panoramic radiograph analysis. Information on any other factors that may cause a preterm low birth weight was obtained from the family physician.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study results indicated that periodontitis (OR: 3.6 95% CI: 1.06-12.18) together with bacterial vaginosis (OR: 11.57 95% CI: 1.26-105.7) were independent risk factors of a preterm low birth weight. According to the data obtained from this study, the paternal age, tobacco use and the mothers' height were not significant risk factors for a preterm low birth weight.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Within the limits of this study, it is concluded that a poor periodontal health status of the mother may be a potential risk factor for a preterm low birth weight.
authors.affiliation: Selcuk University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology, 42080, Konya, Turkey. imarakoglu@selcuk.edu.tr
authors.forename: Ismail
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Marakoglu
authors.forename: Ulvi Kahraman
authors.initials: UK
authors.lastname: Gursoy
authors.forename: Kamile
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Marakoglu
authors.forename: Hulya
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cakmak
authors.forename: Tamer
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ataoglu
mesh_terms: D001827:Body Height; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology