Periodontal diseases in pregnant women as a risk factor: a concise systematic review

This study highlighted that periodontal diseases in pregnant women can be one of the determinants of low birth weight. Studies were carried out to verify the existence of an association between maternal periodontal disease and low birth weight. Gestational period, where the occurrence of periodontal diseases (PD) is more likely, due to its hormonal and physiological changes. Therefore, pregnant women must be alert and take proper care, have prenatal care with their dentist, in addition to their oral care, they must be alert to the risks of low birth weight and premature births. Infections in regions of the genitourinary tract, such as PD, may be associated with the occurrence of low birth weight newborns through the same mechanisms as other maternal and preterm birth infections. The contraction of the uterus and cervical dilation, acting as a trigger for premature birth, can be caused by inflammatory stimuli, which can induce hyperirritability of the uterine smooth muscles. The infection and the resulting inflammatory process can cause damage to the placenta, thereby restricting fetal development. Throughout life, a woman goes through several phases of hormonal fluctuations that, in addition to interfering with the reproductive system, exert influence on other organs and systems, such as the periodontium, particularly in the presence of preexisting gingival inflammation induced by plaque. During pregnancy, a woman is exposed to several significant hormonal changes, as the placenta produces high amounts of estrogen and progesterone, which in turn affect the oral tissues. It was concluded that black women aged over 40 years old are more likely to have PD, having a higher risk of low development to the fetus