Pregnancy and periodontal disease: does exist a two-way relationship?

Abstract

Periodontal disease (PD) is an inflammatory disease of the tissues supporting the teeth. PD affects 65 million adults over the age of 30 years in the USA, and worldwide 5 to 70% of adults. Women who develop PD during pregnancy, it's estimated 1 woman in 5, may have a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. PD during pregnancy starts by dental plaque and is increased by the action of pregnancy hormones. In order to study the effect of PD on adverse pregnancy outcomes, we have performed this narrative review summarising the current studies about the influence of PD on pregnancy. Periodontal pockets are a reservoir of oral microbiota. Modifications in oral microbiota may be considered as a potential mechanism for developing PD during pregnancy. PD is surely caused by bacteria, but the progression and worsening are due to a host immune response. The inflammation caused by PD is not limited to the oral cavity. It is hypothesized that episodes of bacteraemia and dissemination of endotoxins from periodontal pockets can induce the activation of the systemic immune response. In conclusion our narrative review shows that there's no relationship between PD and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and PD treatment during pregnancy does not confer a general protection against adverse pregnancy outcomes.