Association between high risk for preterm birth and changes in gingiva parameters during pregnancy-a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate clinical and microbiological gingival changes during pregnancy in women without periodontal disease. Additionally, these parameters were to be compared in women with high risk for preterm birth and women with a normal course of pregnancy.

METHOD AND MATERIALS: Group I consisted of 40 subjects at high risk for preterm birth, while group II involved 49 subjects with a normal course of pregnancy. The control group (III) was made up of 50 non-pregnant women. Clinical parameters (plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depths, gingival swelling, bleeding on probing) and microbiological changes were monitored during pregnancy and 2-4 weeks after parturition.

RESULTS: In the high-risk preterm group (I), 19 women could be included in data analysis. This group was compared to 41 women in the normal pregnancy group (II) and 50 non-pregnant women (III). Gingival inflammation was significantly higher in women with high risk for preterm birth (I) compared to non-risk pregnant women (II, p < 0.05). In addition, in this group (I), the subgingival amounts of Fusobacterium nucleatum (> 105 ) were found to be significantly higher after childbirth compared to non-pregnant women (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Even without having periodontal disease, women with high risk for preterm birth showed worse clinical values compared to non-risk pregnant and non-pregnant women and an increased detection of Fusobacterium nucleatum after delivery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High risk for preterm birth might be associated with the occurrence of increased gingival inflammation.