The study examined whether periodontal treatment in pregnant women with periodontitis alters the number and timing of preterm births...

Preterm Birth Study Receives AAP Clinical Research Award

The study examined whether periodontal treatment in pregnant women with periodontitis alters the number and timing of preterm births.

CHICAGO—October 30, 2007—A study titled "Treatment of periodontal disease and the risk of preterm birth" is the 2007 recipient of the American Academy of Periodontology’s (AAP) Clinical Research Award. Authors of the research are Bryan S. Michalowicz, James S. Hodges, Anthony J. DiAngelis, Virginia R. Lupo, M. John Novak, James E. Ferguson, William Buchanan, James Bofill, Panos N. Papapanou, Dennis A. Mitchell, Stephen Matseoane, and Pat A. Tschida. The study appeared in the November 2006 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

The study examined whether periodontal (gum) treatment in pregnant women with periodontitis alters the number and timing of preterm births. The study was supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the National Institutes of Health.

This annual award honors an outstanding published scientific manuscript having direct clinical relevance and application to the practice of periodontics. The manuscript must have appeared in peer-reviewed scientific literature within the prior calendar year. The Clinical Research Award was sponsored by Quintessence Publishing.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3242.

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