For ten years, the incidence of preterm birth does not decrease in developed countries
despite the promotion of public health programs. Many risk factors have been identified
including ethnicity, age, tobacco, and infection. However, almost 50% of preterm birth
causes remain unknown. The periodontal diseases are highly prevalent inflammatory and
infectious diseases of tooth supporting tissues leading to an oral disability. They influence
negatively general health worsening cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Periodontal …

Preterm infants are born prior to completion of 37 weeks of gestation. These patients are
seen on the rise despite the efforts put in to control them. Global incidence of preterm birth is
around 9.6% of all birth representing 12.9 million births with regional disparities: From 12%
to 13% in USA, from 5% to 9% in Europe, and 18% in Africa. First reported by Offenbacher et
al. in 1996 relationship exist between maternal periodontal disease and delivery of a
preterm infant. This article reviews the recent epidemiological and biological data. The …