The document summarizes a study that examined the relationship between periodontal infections and preterm births. The study found that pregnant women with severe or generalized periodontal disease were more likely to have preterm deliveries before 37 weeks and especially before 32 weeks. While the study provided evidence that pre-existing periodontal disease in the second trimester increases the risk of preterm birth, it did not conclusively determine if treating periodontal disease can reduce preterm birth risk. Ongoing research is still examining whether treating mothers' periodontal infections can lower preterm birth rates.