Prenatal dental care and periodontal health: a concise systematic review

Introduction: Periodontal disease is a chronic infection caused by a bacterium that stimulates the immunoinflammatory response, leading to inflammation of the gingival and tooth support tissue, resulting from the pathogenesis of the microorganism and the host's response. Studies have investigated the association between periodontal conditions and possible complications for pregnant women and newborns. Objective: Analyzed the main consequences of periodontal disease during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as changes involving newborns, in order to elucidate the importance of prenatal dental care. Methods: The present study was followed by a systematic literature review model, according to the PRISMA rules. Clinical studies included case reports, retrospective, prospective and randomized trials. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument. The risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results: A total of 104 articles were found. A total of 48 articles were evaluated in full, and 20 were included and discussed in this study. The overall assessment did not result in significant risks that could compromise the science of the present study. According to the GRADE classification, the studies were of moderate quality. Gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss were found to be associated with premature birth. Periodontal disease can increase the chance of negative neonatal and maternal outcomes, with fetal growth restriction, vulvovaginitis, and premature rupture of the membrane being the main effects. Conclusion: Oral health should be an important focus in the monitoring of pregnant women in all maternal and child health services, making it necessary to incorporate the diagnosis of maternal oral health and periodontal disease for the health of the mother and newborn