Few things hold greater value than the birth of a healthy baby. Because a number of studies have indicated an association between periodontal disease in mothers and deliveries of preterm, low-birth weight infants, Delta Dental recommends that pregnant women showing signs of periodontal disease receive adequate dental cleanings during pregnancy.

The physical and economic costs of preterm infants are great. Preterm infants are at an increased risk for a number of serious health complications, including chronic lung disease, severe brain injury, motor and sensory impairment, learning difficulties and behavioral problems. First-year mortality rates are significantly higher for preterm infants. Plus, these children often require significantly greater family practitioner services, education services and social services than infants born at term or normal birth weight. The economic impact associated with the perinatal period, as well as throughout life, can be substantial. The annual societal financial burden associated with preterm birth in the United States is more than $26 billion. Individually, on average, a preterm infant costs $51,600 more than the average cost for full-term infants in the first year of life. Additional long-term costs often continue over the individual’s lifetime.

Several studies have examined the association between periodontal disease and deliveries of preterm low-birth weight infants. The majority of these studies show an association. Various studies indicate that pregnant women who have periodontal disease range from 3.5 to 7 times more likely to deliver preterm, low-birth weight children.

Recent studies also indicate the treatment for periodontal disease may reduce the incidence of preterm low-birth weight infants. An American study showed a 28 percent reduction for low-income African-American and Hispanic women when periodontal disease was treated, while a Chilean study of low-income women found an 82 percent reduction.

Although further studies are continuing to explore the link between periodontal disease and preterm low birth weight as well as the outcome of periodontal treatment during pregnancy, the potential health ramifications, quality of life and economic impact of the condition warrant taking precautions to reduce its incidence.

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