Preterm birth, which is child delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is the primary cause of perinatal mortality worldwide. It remains a major public health concern in Rwanda, affecting approximately 13.8% of birth. ¹ The World Health Organization estimates that 15 million babies are born prematurely each year. ¹ Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gums that can lead to tooth loss. It is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, affecting nearly half of all adults. Periodontitis is also a risk factor for preterm delivery, which is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy. ^{2 , 3}

While the association between periodontitis and preterm deliveries is increasingly recognized, little is known about this link in Rwanda. This policy brief aims to bridge this knowledge gap by presenting the findings of a recent study investigating the prevalence of periodontitis among pregnant women in Rwanda and its association with preterm deliveries. This policy brief also aims to inform and guide decision making towards incorporating periodontal screening into the antenatal care package in Rwanda. This has the potential to improve pregnancy outcomes and contribute to improved oral health in the future.

Different studies have suggested a complex link between periodontitis and preterm birth. Chronic inflammation in the gums associated with periodontitis releases inflammatory mediators into the blood stream and this potentially triggers early labor through various biomedical pathways. ^4-7 Also, oral bacteria from infected gums can reach the placenta and amniotic fluid, triggering an inflammatory response in the uterus and inducing preterm labor. ^{8 , 9} Also, periodontitis can impair nutrient absorption, impacting fetal growth and development which may contribute to preterm birth. ¹⁰ Periodontal diseases occur as result of dysbiosis in bacterial biofilm inhabiting the sulcus, below the gingival margin. Periodontal are inclusive of the main diagnostic categories of periodontitis and gingivitis. ^{6 , 7 , 11}

Existing research from Rwanda, like some other African countries, demonstrates a significant association between periodontitis and preterm birth. A study in Kenya reported that women with periodontitis have 2 times risk of giving birth to preterm babies than women without periodontitis. ¹² In Ethiopia, a study reported 2-4 times the odds of giving birth to preterm babies in women with periodontitis ¹³ while in Rwanda is six-fold risk of preterm in women with periodontitis than those with no periodontitis. ¹⁴

A recent study in Rwanda showed a high prevalence of periodontitis (60.5%) among pregnant women and a six-fold risk of preterm deliveries in women who had periodontitis. ¹⁴ Further, nurses and midwives showed an insufficient knowledge on periodontitis. ¹⁵ There is a need fora tool to support the nurses/midwives to detect periodontal diseases among pregnant women during antenatal care consultations.

Periodontal screening is not currently part of the antenatal care package in Rwanda, despite the increasing prevalence of periodontitis among pregnant women in Rwanda. Research evidence has shown the strong association between periodontitis and preterm birth. ¹⁴ Several studies confirm that the treatment of periodontitis during pregnancy reduces the risk of preterm delivery.

Antenatal care consultations constitute an important opportunity to perform screening for periodontitis during pregnancy in the context of Rwanda. Firstly, antenatal care consultations are mandatory for all pregnant women. Secondly, the uptake is high (98%) and a greater number of pregnant women meet the required number of antenatal care visits. ¹⁶

The increasing uptake of antenatal care services in Rwanda is supported by more comprehensive medical insurance schemes (e.g “Mutuel de Sante” that covers 85% of the cost). Community health workers (CHWs) identify all pregnant women in their villages and follow them up until delivery. CHWs ensure that these pregnant women attend antenatal care.

Oral diseases, including periodontitis, are neglected and it is rare for a woman to go for dental check-ups unless when in pain. Antenatal care is an important platform that offers the opportunity to bring awareness on periodontitis during pregnancy. Periodontitis screening during antenatal care consultations will facilitate the access of all pregnant women to oral health.

This policy brief calls for action for the development of a screening tool and sustainable implementation of this tool. Thus, the development of a periodontal screening tool that can be utilized and integrated in an antenatal care package would be desirable and cost-effective. If a robust screening tool is successfully developed, then future studies may include the management of periodontitis during pregnancy and its effect on preterm delivery.

To address the potential link between periodontitis and preterm birth in Rwanda, multiple recommendations are proposed. Some of these recommendations were raised during the policy engagement workshop that was held, and led by the lead author of this policy brief, in October 2024 where there was a presentation of the study findings to different policy makers and partners that included professional associations, representatives from hospitals and representatives from Rwanda Ministry of Health through the Rwanda Biomedical Center. These recommendations are below:

The incorporation of Periodontal Screening in Antenatal Care : There is a need to integrate a basic periodontal screening into the existing Rwandan ANC package. This screening can be performed by trained nurses and could involve visual inspection and probing to identify signs of gum inflammation and potential periodontitis. This can be done by developing clear protocols and guidelines for nurses on how to conduct the screening, interpret results, and refer women with suspected periodontitis to dentists for further evaluation and treatment.

Capacity Building for Nurses: There is need to implement training programs to equip nurses working in antenatal clinics with the knowledge and skills to effectively: conduct basic periodontal screenings, educate pregnant women about oral hygiene practices and the link between gum health and pregnancy outcomes and advise women on appropriate referrals for periodontal treatment when necessary.

Public Awareness Campaigns: There is a need to develop and disseminate public awareness campaigns to educate women of childbearing age about periodontal disease, its risks during pregnancy, and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

While the causal relationship between periodontitis and preterm birth requires further investigation, the existing evidence suggests a potentially significant link. By integrating oral health into maternal care, promoting oral hygiene practices, and conducting further research, we can take crucial steps to address this issue and improve maternal and child health outcomes in Rwanda. Policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders in Rwanda should recognize the potential impact of periodontitis on preterm birth. By implementing the recommended actions and prioritizing oral health promotion, we can work together to ensure mothers and babies have a healthy start in life.

Both authors (PU and KK) contributed to writing of the original draft, reviewing, editing and conceptualization of the manuscript.

Ethical approval and consent were not required.