Turton, MervynAfrica, Charlene W.J.2023-02-202023-02-202017Turton, M., & Africa, Charlene W. J. (2017). Further evidence for periodontal disease as a risk indicator for adverse pregnancy outcomes. International Dental Journal, 67(3), 148-156. https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.122741875-595Xhttps://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12274http://hdl.handle.net/10566/8442Although there is increasing evidence to suggest an association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, the issue remains controversial. Study objective: This study tested the hypothesis that periodontal disease is a risk indicator for preterm delivery of low-birthweight infants. Materials and methods: The study sample comprised 443 pregnant women with a mean ( standard deviation) age of 24.13 ( 5.30) years. At first visit, maternal oral health status was assessed by the measurement of probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss, and periodon- tal status was graded as absent, mild, moderate or severe. An association was sought between pregnancy outcomes and maternal periodontal status. Results: While controlling for other factors, significant associations were found between pregnancy outcomes and maternal periodontal index scores. Conclusion: This study provides further evidence that peri- odontal disease is a risk indicator for adverse pregnancy outcomes.enPeriodontal diseaseBioscienceWomenMaternal healthEthnicityArticle