Periodontal Infection as a Possible Risk Factor for Preterm Low Birth Weight

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Abstract
Periodontal diseases are Gram‐negative anaerobic infections that can occur in women of childbearing age (18 to 34 years). In the present investigation we sought to determine whether the prevalence of maternal periodontal infection could be associated with preterm low birth weight (PLBW), controlling for known risk factors and potential covariates. A case‐control study of 124 pregnant or postpartum mothers was performed. PLBW cases were defined as a mother with a birth of less than 2,500 g and one or more of the following: gestational age J Periodontol 1996;67:1103–1113.