PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND PREGNANCY OUTCOME: A CORRELATIVE STUDY

The relationship between periodontal diseases and pregnancy outcome in terms of pre term low birth weight has been widely investigated, though observation till today is controversial. Considering this, the present study was conducted to determine the relationship of periodontal health and pregnancy outcome. 300 pregnant women without systemic diseases or the risk factors for this were chosen. It includes Term Labor, considered as control (labor at ≥ 37 weeks; n=225) and Preterm Labor, considered as case (labor at ≤ 37 weeks; n=75). Gingival and calculus indices and probing pocket depth were recorded in the mothers of both groups. Similarly, birth weight of all the new born was recorded. Significant differences in gingival index and birth weight were observed in between the case and control group, though not of calculus and probing pocket depth. From the findings of present study, we may conclude that poor gingival health definitely affects the pregnancy outcome.