Objective:To assess the periodontal diseases as a possible risk factor for preterm and low birth weight. Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study was carried out in Hubei. The samples were chosen randomly by the rule of admittance. Socio-demographic information relating to health and maternal habits was collected through a questionnaire. The clinical parameters were debris index-simplified (DI-S), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAJ). The birth time and weight were recorded. The result was analyzed with chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.Results: The incidence of preterm low birth weight was 12.3%. The gingivitis and periodontitis were diagnosed in 86.6% and 64.2% of preterm low birth weight cases. The odds ratio of having gingivitis and preterm low birth weight was 1.30(95%confidence interval: 0.53-3.22). The odds ratio of having periodontitis and preterm low birth weight was 2.69(95%confidence interval: 1.37-5.27). Conclusion: The periodontal diseases of pregnancy can be regarded as an important risk factor for preterm low birth weight.

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this survey was to assess dental knowledge and behaviors of the teachers and mothers of school children.

METHODSAll data was collected from 1365 mothers of first grade students and 215 schoolteachers in Yichang, Hubei by using questionnaires and, analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTSThe level of dental knowledge was higher among schoolteachers than among mothers; the mothers were mostly informed through television/book (62.4%/51.5%), while teachers received information from various sources, including the dentists (75.3%). Most of the children (94.0%) didn't have practical support from their parents in daily tooth cleaning. Only 18.9% of them visited the dentist at least once per year.

CONCLUSIONThis finding suggested that we should emphasize oral healthy education among mothers and schoolteachers, in order to promote school-based oral health education program.

Adult ; Attitude to Health ; Child ; China ; Dental Care for Children ; statistics & numerical data ; Dental Caries ; prevention & control ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Health Education, Dental ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Male ; Mothers ; Periodontal Diseases ; prevention & control ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Teaching ; Toothbrushing ; statistics & numerical data