The Prevention of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes by Periodontal Treatment (PROBE) Intervention Study

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to study pregnant women who develop periodontitis, a common chronic gum disease that causes inflammation and can harm both oral and general health. The study investigates whether treating periodontitis during pregnancy can improve outcomes such as fetal growth, reduce the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and markers related to preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. The study also explores how periodontitis-related inflammation might affect the future health and metabolism of the child. The study compares two groups of pregnant women diagnosed with periodontitis: one group receiving periodontal treatment during pregnancy and another receiving the same treatment postpartum. Treatment involves up to five periodontal therapy sessions over about 20 weeks. Recruitment and treatment periods last 18 months for each group. The study collects detailed information on participants' oral health, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors through questionnaires at various stages during and after pregnancy. Participants will attend scheduled visits for dental exams and periodontal treatment, along with completing online questionnaires about diet, smoking, physical activity, and oral health habits at baseline, week 35 of gestation, and at two and six months postpartum. Researchers will monitor pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth, low birth weight, and risk markers for preeclampsia and gestational diabetes over 18 months. The study also includes follow-up questionnaires on infant growth and family oral health after birth.

Oral Health and Adverse Pregnancy Complications