Periodontal disease raises preterm risk.(News)

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIF. -- Every prepregnancy consultation should include a recommendation for a full periodontal examination, and patients should be monitored throughout pregnancy for signs of periodontal disease. Todd Hartsfield, D.D.S., recommended.

Evidence compiled from many studies suggests that maternal periodontal disease may be responsible for 18% of preterm, low-birth-weight deliveries, he said at a meeting of the Obstetrical and Gynecological Assembly of Southern California.

Moreover, research suggests that in patients with periodontitis during the second trimester, deep instrumental cleaning, known among dentists as scaling and root planing, may substantially lower the risk of preterm delivery.

Many of the studies detailing periodontal risk have appeared in dental journals that obstetricians never see, said Dr. Hartsfield, director of the Dental Clinical and Prevention Support Center of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona in Phoenix.

"I'd like to see more interplay between our professions," Dr. Hartsfield said during a special lecture at the meeting.

"The dentist and dental hygienist should be a part of the health team that is involved in caring for expectant mothers."

He recommended several patient brochures offered by the American Dental Association, including "Women and Gum Disease," "What is Scaling and Root Planing?" and "Gum Disease: The Warning Signs."