There is no published information concerning the possible associations of tooth abscesses on pregnancy outcomes. In addition, there is no known biological mechanism for the direct link between periodontal infections, pre-term birth and low birth-weight babies. Secondary factors such as age, race, and life-style likely confound assessment of these associations. There are some preliminary studies of these variables in regard to the association between periodontal infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes, but not for periapical lesions. Since periapical lesions produce pain, these secondary factors could be more important to pregnancy outcomes than the primary factors (bacteria and proinflammatory cytokines).