Obstetricians' knowledge of and practice behaviors concerning periodontal disease and preterm low birth weight

Funding for this project was provided by the ADHA Institute for Oral Health. Purpose. Recent evidence has shown that periodontal disease may be a risk factor for preterm low birth weight (PTLBW). This study assessed obstetricians' knowledge and practice behaviors concerning periodontal disease and its possible effect on preterm low birth weight. Methods and Materials. One hundred ninety-four practicing obstetricians in afire-county area in central North Carolina were surveyed. Second and third mailings were sent to non-respondents. Descriptive statistics, chi square, and Fisher's exact tests were calculated using SAS software (Cary, NC). Fifty-five obstetricians in the population were ineligible because they had retired, were no longer practicing obstetrics, or were no longer in the study area. Results. Of the remaining 139 eligible obstetricians, 55 responded, yielding a 40% response rate. When asked about the cause of gingivitis (95%) and periodontitis (67%) most answered correctly. When asked about risk factors for periodontal disease, most correctly indicated bacteria (94%), tooth decay (73%), aging (69%), and excess dietary sugar (51%). When asked if they looked into patients mouths, 22% did so at the initial visit, 9% did so periodically, and 48% did so only when a problem was mentioned by the patient. When asked if they recommended dental examinations, 49% responded rarely or never. When asked about risk factors that may contribute to PTLBW, 99% responded maternal smoking, 94% responded preeclampsia, 84% indicated periodontal disease, and 79% indicated bacterial vaginosis.
Christina B. Robinson, RDH, MS, is a student researcher at the University of North Carolina; Susan Lieff, PhD, is an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina. Rebecca Wilder, [...]