The link between dental health & fertility
Perfect oral hygiene may aid your seductive smile and irresistibility - but can it also make you more fertile? Newly developed research is suggesting that not looking after those pearly whites can negatively affect fertility in both sexes. Women with poor dental hygiene take on average an extra 2 months to conceive; and has shown links to impair a man’s ability produce healthy semen and sperm. Most research into these connections between dental health and fertility focuses on the affects of periodontal disease; so how do we prevent it?
Periodontal disease: What is it?
Periodontal disease or periodontitis is a serious gum infection characterised by large inflammation and bacterial infection (gingivitis is considered the first stage of periodontal disease). Symptoms may include tender/swollen gums; bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, painful chewing, tooth decay /cavities.
The nitty-gritty stuff:
In men:
Several studies found that men with poor oral health have greater risk of infertility, why?
Cavities, tooth infections and gum diseases (i.e. periodontitis) create high levels of oral bacterial growth in the mouth which can spread and lead to higher bacterial loads in other areas. Bacteriospermia (infection in semen) has shown to have increased prevalence amongst men with oral infections; and can lead to low sperm motility.
Infections result in high levels of inflammation as our body goes into overdrive. This can lead to our body attacking non-threatening cells such as developing sperm which overall reduces sperm count and quality.
Inflammation also correlates to high oxidative stress which is well-known to impair sperm function and lead to sperm deformities.
Men who experience erectile dysfunction are more likely to have gum disease. This may be due to elevated systematic inflammation compromising blood flow, therefore making it difficult to obtain or sustain an erection.
In women:
Although most of the research has been done in men; correlations between female infertility and periodontal disease (and other dental infections) is thought to be because:
Like in men, oral infections can travel and translocate to female reproductive organs. Some microbes causing tissue injury and decay; resulting in issues for embryo implantation.
Heightened immune responses from infections can cause elevated systematic inflammation; which we know has a significant impact on the ovaries, uterus, embryo and implantation. Inflammation driven conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis; will also thrive with systematic inflammation and increase risk of infertility.
Women with hyper-active immune systems have shown to have higher risks of infertility (including invading sperm destruction), failed embryo implantation and even miscarriage (specifically during IVF).
Prolonged exposure to inflammation can alter hormone production and may provide non-ideal environments for embryo growth.
Two birds with one stone: improving your dental hygiene and fertility?
All this above may seem like a lot of doom and gloom and you may not be the most import thing to focus on when trying to conceive; however prevention of dental diseases can be simple:
Brush your teeth twice a day: it’s easy, it’s basic, let's get it done.
Floss. (No, not the dance move.)
Rinse with water after you eat. Can reduce gum inflammation and your risk of cavities
Get regular dental cleaning and check ups. It’s the key to maintaining healthy gums and oral health. How often? At least every 6-12 months or more frequently if you have history of periodontal disease.
Vitamin C. Protects against early stage gum and oral soft tissue diseases
If you smoke. Quit. Smoking increases your chances of dental diseases and also infertility
Leek, garlic, and onion are great foods that help to improve the oral microbiome. Incorporate these into your diet regularly.
Avoid soft drinks and other refined sugar products.