Effects of periodontal health on adverse pregnancy outcomes

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effects of periodontal diseases on adverse pregnancy outcomes by using the classification system accepted in the 2017 World Workshop. Material and methods: This study recruited 172 individuals who were monitored during pregnancy and then delivered at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Adıyaman University Training and Research Hospital. The age, height, weight, mode of delivery, the total number of pregnancies, education level, income level, tooth brushing frequency, and interface cleaning agent usage information of all mothers included the study were recorded. The mothers were divided into test and control groups by their gestational week and the birth weight of their babies. While those with a gestational age <37 weeks and/or baby birth weight < 2500 g were constituted to the test group (n=85), those with a gestational age ≥ 37 weeks and/or baby birth weight ≥ 2500 g constituted the control group (n=87). Clinical periodontal and radiographic evaluations including PI, GI, PB%, PPD, and CAL values were performed for all individuals, and the diagnoses were made by the applied classification system. The WBC, HGB, HCT, PLT, MPV, and Ca values were examined from the routine examinations performed at the closest date to birth. Results: PI, GI, PB%, and PPD values in the test group were significantly higher compared to the control group (p<0.001). Although the CAL value was higher in the test group, the difference was not significant (p=0.058).WBC (p=0.020) and PLT (p<0.001) values were significantly higher in the test group. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, periodontal diseases are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes independent of other risk factors. Keywords: Classification, low birth weight, periodontal diseases, preterm birth