Association Between Maternal Periodontitis and Preterm Low Birth Weight in Indian Populations: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objectives are to review and synthesize existing literature on the association between maternal periodontitis and preterm low birth weight (PTLBW) infants in the Indian population, and to evaluate whether periodontitis serves as a modifiable risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, and grey literature sources, including OpenGrey and Greylist. The search covered publications from January 2000 to August 2025. Studies were included if they used a case-control design, were conducted in India, and reported odds ratios or equivalent data comparing periodontal health in mothers with and without PTLBW deliveries. A total of n = 17 studies met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to qualitative synthesis.

RESULTS: All included studies demonstrated a positive and statistically significant association between maternal periodontitis and PTLBW outcomes. Periodontal parameters such as plaque index, bleeding index, probing depth, and clinical attachment loss were consistently higher in mothers with PTLBW infants. Additional factors such as maternal illiteracy and poor antenatal care were identified as potential contributors. The findings support a biologically plausible mechanism linking periodontal inflammation to systemic effects that may impair fetal growth or trigger premature labor.

CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: The present literature review highlights the need for integrating oral health assessments into routine antenatal care. Periodontitis is preventable and treatable, and its management during pregnancy could reduce the risk of PTLBW. Public health programs targeting maternal health in resource-constrained settings should include periodontal screening, education, and timely intervention to improve birth outcomes.