For ten years, the incidence of preterm birth does not decrease in developed countries despite the promotion of public health
programs. Many risk factors have been identified including ethnicity, age, tobacco, and infection. However, almost 50% of
preterm birth causes remain unknown. The periodontal diseases are highly prevalent inflammatory and infectious diseases
of tooth supporting tissues leading to an oral disability. They influence negatively general health worsening cardiovascular
diseases and diabetes. Periodontal diseases have been also suspected to increase the rate of preterm birth, but data remain
contradictory. The objective of this review is to present the principal results of epidemiological, biological, and interventional
studies on the link between periodontal diseases and preterm birth. The conclusions of this work underline the importance for
the physician/obstetrician to identify women at risk for preterm birth and to address these patients to dentist for periodontal
examination and treatment in order to limit adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Relationship between Periodontal Diseases and PretermBirth:
Recent Epidemiological and Biological Data