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Periodontal Disease and Birth Outcomes: Are We Missing Something?

Current Oral Health Reports volume 7, pages 62–71 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Periodontal disease is a widespread inflammatory disorder influenced by microbial, genetic, and environmental factors. Dr. Robert J. Genco was a pioneer in recognizing the connection between periodontal disease and systemic diseases. His early work reported a “two-way street” with respect to diabetes mellitus such that those with diabetes are more susceptible to periodontal disease and the severity of diabetes increases in those with periodontal disease. Dr. Genco also proposed that periodontal disease could impact cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases as well as oral cancers. Here, we review the recent literature on the potential role of periodontal disease on another health concern, that of adverse birth outcomes including preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes.

Recent Findings

Risks associated with the development of periodontal disease and risks posed by periodontal disease are discussed, including that of adverse birth outcomes, with attention to potential confounding variables in different study populations and conflicting reports on the efficacy of intervention during pregnancy. Suggested mechanisms whereby periodontal disease contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes include infection and inflammation of the uterus, placenta, and fetus induced by bloodborne pathogenic microorganisms and/or bacterial products. The potential role of genetic and epigenetic factors influencing the response to infection and the potential for long-term sequelae in those born to mothers with periodontal disease are considered.

Summary

To identify the specific effects of periodontal disease on birth outcomes, future studies should continue to parse out confounding variables including genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences. Standardizing the definitions of periodontal disease is critical to establishing cause and effect. Understanding the role of the microbiome on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes, and further consideration of mechanisms contributing to poor birth outcomes should be explored with the expectation of developing interventions. Recognizing his fundamental insights into the importance of oral health on systemic health, we dedicate this narrative review to Dr. Genco, a visionary and an advocate for oral health.

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Fig. 1

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgements

CAG, EOW, and CDK were partially supported by NIH grants R01 AI142628 and R03 CA228007.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Lawrence G. Pessolano Jr

  2. Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA

    Carolyn D. Kramer, Ellen O. Weinberg & Caroline A. Genco

  3. Graduate Program in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition and Science Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA

    Alexandra Simas

  4. Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA

    Barbara M. Schreiber

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  1. Lawrence G. Pessolano Jr
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Pessolano, L.G., Kramer, C.D., Simas, A. et al. Periodontal Disease and Birth Outcomes: Are We Missing Something?. Curr Oral Health Rep 7, 62–71 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40496-020-00255-5

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Keywords

  • Periodontal disease
  • Inflammation
  • Adverse pregnancy outcomes
  • Microbiota
  • Bacterial factors
  • Systemic diseases