Association between Maternal Periodontal Disease and Spontaneous Preterm Birth Risk: A Prospective Cohort Study

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 495–506

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJOG/000522

Original Research Article

Title: Association between Maternal Periodontal Disease and Spontaneous Preterm Birth Risk: A Prospective Cohort Study

Names of Authors: Bukola R. Omotayo¹, David C. Iwuala¹

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract:
Chronic systemic inflammatory conditions are increasingly implicated in triggering premature labor pathways. This prospective cohort study evaluated the relationship between maternal periodontal disease diagnosed during early pregnancy and the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Four hundred and fifty pregnant women undergoing routine prenatal care were enrolled between 12 and 16 weeks and underwent comprehensive periodontal examinations. Periodontal disease was classified according to clinical attachment loss and bleeding on probing. Participants were followed up until delivery, tracking the incidence of sPTB. Periodontal disease was diagnosed in 135 women (30.0%). The incidence of sPTB before 37 weeks was significantly higher in women with periodontal disease compared to those with healthy periodontal status (16.3% vs. 6.7%; Relative Risk [RR] = 2.43; 95% CI, 1.34 to 4.41; p = 0.003). The rate of early preterm delivery (< 34 weeks) was also elevated in the periodontal disease group (5.9% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.012). Adjusting for maternal age, socioeconomic background, smoking, and prior history of preterm birth, multivariable logistic regression confirmed that maternal periodontal disease remained an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth (Odds Ratio = 2.65, 95% CI, 1.42 to 4.96). Active maternal periodontal disease in early pregnancy correlates with an elevated risk of spontaneous preterm birth, indicating a potential benefit for early oral screening during routine prenatal care.

Keywords: Spontaneous Preterm Birth; Periodontal Disease; Systemic Inflammation; Prenatal Care; Risk Factors; Gestational Age.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 01, 2026; Revised: July 18, 2026; Accepted: August 03, 2026; Published: August 22, 2026.

Citation: Omotayo BR, Iwuala DC. Association between Maternal Periodontal Disease and Spontaneous Preterm Birth Risk: A Prospective Cohort Study. International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2026; 14(8): 495–506.

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