Preterm low birth weight accounts for about 2/3rd of neonatal deaths and has a tremendous impact both financially and emotionally. Escalating evidence have suggested the role of periodontal disease in triggering pre-term low birth weight babies. Hence it is important to eliminate the disease to ensure positive pregnancy experience for all women.

Though, ante natal protocol WHO recommends treating infections to combat pre term low birth weight outcomes oral health is given a low priority. Therefore, we from the Department of Periodontology of JSS Dental College and Hospital in collaboration with Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology have taken initiative to start a special clinic “Oral Health Care in Pregnancy”.

In this special clinic pregnant women visiting the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology will be educated about the oral health and pregnancy and will be screened for periodontal disease. Those requiring treatment will be referred to dental unit of JSS Hospital for needful.