Protocol Expired. Terminated by IRB

This research project is a multi-center double-blind, parallel, randomized, controlled clinical trial design comparing the efficacy of dental scaling and root planing to control treatment (superficial cleaning) for the prevention of preterm birth in pregnant women with periodontal disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Gestational age between 6 and 20 completed weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Periodontal treatment during the pregnancy
• Antibiotic use within 2 weeks of enrollment
• Use of antimicrobial mouthwash within 2 weeks
• Multiple gestation
• Known mitral valve prolapse