RESEARCHING OF THE RELATIONSHİP BETWEEN THE PERIODONTAL DISEASES AND THREAT OF PREMATURE BIRTH

https://doi.org/10.71284/tjmhs.20263211

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare periodontal disease findings and the need for dental/periodontal treatment among hospitalized pregnant women diagnosed with threatened preterm birth (TPB) and a control group.
Materials and Methods:This controlled observational study was conducted between June 1 and December 1, 2017, at the University of Health Sciences Zekai Tahir Burak Women’s Health Health Practice and Research Center. The sample included 217 women: 104 pregnant women in the TPB group and 113 uncomplicated puerperal women within 24 hours after delivery in the control group. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a researcher developed data collection form and the Periodontal Diseases Evaluation Index for Midwives/Nurses. Mann–Whitney U, chi-square, and t tests were used, and p<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.
Findings: The gingival index score was 4.12 ± 2.29 in the TPB group and 4.28 ± 2.56 in the control group; the difference was not statistically significant (z=-0.58; p=0.50). According to the index cut-off score, treatment need was 54.8% in the TPB group and 60.2% in the control group, with no significant difference (χ²=0.639; p=0.42).
Conclusion: No statistically significant association was found between periodontal treatment need and TPB in this study. However, the high treatment need in both groups highlights the importance of oral health screening and referral to dental care during pregnancy follow-up.
Keywords: Oral and dental health during pregnancy; Periodontal disease; Risk of preterm birth; Midwifery; Periodontal disease