Interrelation Between Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth

Periodontal diseases are chronic infectious diseases that results in the inflammation of the specialized tissues that both surround and support the teeth. It can lead to a progressive loss of connective tissue attachment and alveolar bone. This tissue destruction is characterized by the formation of periodontal pockets that act as reservoirs for bacterial colonization of the dento-gingival environment [1-2]. It is a multi-factorial disease, affecting individuals at different levels of extent and severity. Current concepts on etiology support bacterial infection as the primary cause of periodontal diseases. Periodontal inflammation is initiated and sustained by the presence of dental biofilm, but the host immune defense mechanisms play an important role in the pathogenesis [1,3].