Hubungan kehamilan dan penyakit periodontal (Relationship between pregnancy and periodontal disease)

Background: During pregnancy there are number of changes, both physical and physiological systems which might affect body system as well as physiology of the body parts including oral cavity. Pregnancy can significantly affect the destruction of periodontal tissue due to hormonal imbalance. On the other hand, the health of the periodontal tissue is also said to affect the condition of pregnancy. Purpose: This review was aimed to study the relationship between pregnancy and periodontal diseases. Literature review: During pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen and progesterone might cause changes in the oral cavity, especially the gingiva. The effects of hormonal changes may increase vasodilatation of blood vessels resulting in increased capillary permeability causing gingival enlargement. Hormonal imbalance may also increase the P.intermedia population and suppress the T lymphocytes function which consequently may cause periodontal tissues to be susceptible towards inflammation. On the other hand, periodontal diseases can lead to premature birth due to infection which is indirectly mediated mainly by the transfer of bacterial products such as endotoxin and activation of inflammatory mediators. Bacterial products produced by Gram-negative bacteria might stimulate the production of cytokines and prostaglandins. Produced cytokines may reach the bloodstream and pass through the placental membrane, causing uterine contractions and premature rupture of the membrane which triggers the occurrence of premature birth. Conclusion: There is a two way direct relationship between pregnancy and periodontal disease.Pregnancy, periodontal disease, hormon