Use of a non-alcohol antibacterial mouth-rinse containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) decreases the incidence of preterm birth, attendees at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting were told this week.
"This research demonstrated that reducing the severity of periodontal disease has a direct correlation with preterm birth," said study author Marjorie Jeffcoat. "Preterm birth is the major cause of perinatal mortality, so when we found that something as simple as mouthwash could change the outcomes, we were very excited."
The study was a controlled blind clinical study of pregnant women at 6-20 weeks gestation with periodontal disease who refused dental care and did not have obstetric infections.
Of 204 subjects, 155 served as untreated controls, and 49 received an antimicrobial CPC non alcohol mouth-rinse (Crest Pro-Health, Procter and Gamble). Dental exams were performed at baseline and prior to delivery.
The study found that the incidence of preterm birth occurring at less than 35 weeks was significantly lower in the subjects using the rinse compared to the controls. Additionally, gestational age and birth weight (adjusted for maternal age) were significantly higher in the rinse group.
Related:
Researchers link placental bacteria to preterm births
Stillbirth linked directly to mother's oral bacteria
Source: Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
