Periodontal Disease Association With Poor Birth Outcomes: State of the Science and Policy Implications

The continuing problem of preterm low birthweight pregnancy outcomes (PLBW) in the U.S. is of concern because of significant consequences to maternal and child health, high costs, long-term disease burden, and individual suffering. Infants born prematurely in the U.S. account for 6 to 9 percent of all births, but 70% of all perinatal deaths and half of long-term neurologic morbidity.1 Low birthweight associated with premature delivery is the “major underlying cause of infant mortality and childhood morbidity.”2,3 Economic consequences exceed $5 billion annually.