Does Periodontal Therapy During Pregnancy Affect Likelihood of Preterm Birth?

Maternal periodontal disease is associated with excess risk for preterm birth, but benefits of treatment have not been demonstrated (JW Womens Health Sep 24 2009). Investigators conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether periodontal therapy was associated with lower incidence of preterm birth. A total of 756 women with confirmed periodontal disease were assigned to scaling and planing or superficial cleaning (control) at a mean gestational age of 16.5 weeks. Inpatient delivery data were evaluated for occurrence of spontaneous preterm birth before 35 weeks' gestation. Because of funding issues, enrollment was stopped well before the target sample size was reached.

Rates of spontaneous preterm labor before 35 weeks' gestation…