title: Maternal periodontitis as a risk factor for prematurity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to investigate maternal periodontitis associated with prematurity.
  
  
  METHODS
  We carried out a case-control study including 718 puerperae who experienced a spontaneous delivery: 360 cases (premature) and 358 controls (full-term). Sociodemographic, obstetric, prenatal, perinatal and periodontal data were obtained within 48 h after delivery. Periodontitis was defined as probing depth ≥ 4 mm and attachment loss ≥ 3 mm at same site, for ≥ 4 teeth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Periodontitis was associated with prematurity (odds ratio 6.95; confidence interval 3.69-13.09). Prematurity was associated with maternal age < 20 years, family income < one minimum salary, maternal schooling < 8 years, premature birth history, premature membrane rupture, ruptured membranes > 24 h, smoking, urinary tract infection, leukorrhea, pre-eclampsia, prenatal consultations < 3 and precarious housing. After multivariate confounder adjustments, periodontitis remained independently associated with prematurity (odds ratio 6.05; confidence interval 3.01-12.16).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Periodontitis is strongly associated with prematurity, indicating necessity for regular periodontal investigation and treatment during pregnancy.
authors: Children and Adolescents' Health, Hospital das Clínicas, Recife, Brazil. dilmavp@uol.com.br
authors: Maria Dilma B V
authors: MD
authors: Piscoya
authors: Ricardo A A
authors: RA
authors: Ximenes
authors: Genivaldo M
authors: GM
authors: Silva
authors: Sílvia R
authors: SR
authors: Jamelli
authors: Sônia B
authors: SB
authors: Coutinho
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008423:Maternal Age; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000150:complications*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000209:etiology*; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult