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Noack B, Klingenberg J et al. J Periodont Res 2005; 40: 339–345

Some studies have suggested that periodontal disease in pregnancy may lead to preterm delivery and low birth weight (PTLB), but others have not confirmed this. This study in Germany compared periodontal status in 59 women having preterm contractions and 42 control women who had normal births. The former group was subsequently divided into two subgroups of 16 who actually had PTLB babies, and 43 who did not. Present or former smoking was a factor in only 10 subjects.

In all 3 groups, mean plaque and gingivitis scores, probing depths and attachment levels were similar. Regression analysis found no periodontitis-associated risk for PTLB babies. The authors discuss other studies showing similar results, and conclude that there is also no link between the conditions in this population.