Oral Health
GABRIELLA NAGY
3 MIN READ

The Surprising Connection Between Oral Health and Fertility

The Surprising Connection Between Oral Health and Fertility

When we think about fertility, we often focus on factors like diet, lifestyle, hormones, and genetics. But what if there’s another key piece to the puzzle that’s often overlooked? Believe it or not, the health of your mouth could play a significant role in your reproductive health. Emerging research highlights a fascinating and important link between oral health and fertility, shedding light on why keeping your smile bright and gums healthy may be more essential than ever.1,2

The Role of Inflammation and Periodontal Disease

Oral health isn’t just about preventing cavities and keeping your teeth sparkling white. A balanced oral microbiome plays a role in preventing gum disease and maintaining the body’s natural defences. Your gums and oral tissues can impact your body’s overall inflammatory state. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums, is not just an oral issue. The bacteria and inflammatory markers associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic inflammation, impacting various organs, including the reproductive system.3,4

  • For women, this chronic inflammation can disrupt hormone levels and ovulation, making it harder to conceive.5
  • In men, inflammation linked to poor oral health can impair sperm quality, motility, and function. Chronic inflammation may affect the production of hormones like testosterone, which are vital for sperm production and libido.6

Links to Conditions like PCOS

Studies have revealed a notable connection between oral health and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), one of the leading causes of infertility in women. Women with PCOS are often more susceptible to periodontal disease. The shared hormonal and inflammatory pathways between oral health and reproductive conditions like PCOS highlight the need for a holistic approach to fertility, where oral care is an integral part of the strategy.7

  • In PCOS, elevated levels of systemic inflammation may exacerbate gum disease, creating a vicious cycle that impacts both oral and reproductive health.
  • Addressing inflammation through improved oral hygiene and targeted interventions can have a dual benefit for managing PCOS symptoms and supporting fertility.

Pregnancy Outcomes and Maternal Oral Health

Oral health doesn’t just affect conception; it also plays a critical role during pregnancy. Poor oral health has been linked to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Gum disease in particular can increase the risk of preterm delivery, as inflammatory molecules from the mouth may travel to the uterus and affect the pregnancy environment. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can make women more vulnerable to gingivitis and periodontal disease, further highlighting the importance of proactive oral care before and during pregnancy.3,8,9

How to Protect Your Oral Health to Boost Fertility?

Maintaining optimal oral health doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a consistent routine:

  • Regular Dental Checkups: Visiting your dentist at least twice a year can help catch early signs of gum disease before it leads to systemic inflammation.
  • Effective Brushing and Flossing: Ensure you brush twice daily and floss regularly to keep plaque buildup and harmful bacteria at bay.
  • Mind Your Diet: Foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can feed bad bacteria in the mouth. Incorporating a diet rich in whole foods, fibre, and anti-inflammatory nutrients can support both oral and reproductive health.
  • Hydration: Staying well-hydrated promotes saliva production, which acts as a natural cleanser for your mouth and helps control harmful bacteria.
  • Quit Smoking: Tobacco products increase the risk of gum disease and negatively impact fertility in both men and women.8,9

The Takeaway: Connecting the Dots

Your oral health is more than a matter of fresh breath and a beautiful smile - it’s an integral part of your overall wellness and fertility journey. While it may seem unrelated, the mouth-body connection is strong, and poor oral health can be a red flag for deeper issues that could impact reproductive health. If you’re planning to conceive or facing fertility challenges, don’t underestimate the power of preventive dental care. By prioritising oral hygiene, you can reduce systemic inflammation and set a solid foundation for both your oral and reproductive health.

Final Thought
Your fertility journey is unique, and it’s essential to approach it from a holistic perspective. Don’t just pay attention to the usual suspects; remember that a healthy mouth can be an unexpected ally in supporting your path to parenthood.

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References
  1. Khanna, S.S., Dhaimade, P.A., and Malhotra, S. 2017. Oral Health Status and Fertility Treatment Including IVF. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 67(6):400-404.
  2. Ricci et al. 2022. Periodontitis, female fertility and conception (Review). Biomed Rep. 17(5):86.
  3. Saadaoui, M., Singh, P., Al Khodor, S. 2021. Oral microbiome and pregnancy: A bidirectional relationship. J Reprod Immunol. 145:103293.
  4. Pavlatou, A., Dokou, P., Tsami, A. 2015. Periodontal disease, infertility treatment and in vitro fertilization (IVF) J Fertil In Vitro IVF Worldw Reprod Med Genet Stem Cell. 3(2):148–154.
  5. Hart et al. Periodontal disease: a potential modifiable risk factor limiting conception. Hum Reprod. 034:1332–1342.
  6. Nwhator et al. 2013. Another reason for impeccable oral hygiene: oral hygiene-sperm count link. J Contemp Dent Pract. 15(3):352–358.
  7. Dou et al. 2023 Bidirectional association between polycystic ovary syndrome and periodontal diseases, Frontiers in endocrinology (Lausanne), 14, p. 1008675.
  8. Jahan et al. Oral Healthcare during Pregnancy: Its Importance and Challenges in Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Int J Environ Res Public Health. (17):10681.
  9. HRSA (Health Resources & Services Administration, 2024. Oral Health and Pregnancy. Available at: https://www.hrsa.gov/oral-health/pregnancy

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