According to research presented at the
American Academy of Periodontology conference in 2004, gum disease is linked to
women who use infertility treatments.[1]
The study said women undergoing infertility treatment for more than three
menstrual cycles experience increased inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
These women also have increased levels of gingival crevicular fluid, which
contains tissue breakdown products that may be markers for the progression of
gum disease.[2]
The lead author Dr. Cenk M. Haytac, from
Cukurova University in Adana, Turkey, postulates that these effects occur
because these agents increase body levels of estrogen and the gums apparently are
a target for estrogen since they contain estrogen receptors. Though not definitive, several studies have shown
evidence that gum infections are associated with unsuccessful embryo development
or the failure of in-vitro fertilization. Poor oral health is as bad for
fertility as obesity -
delaying conception by about two months says latest research.[3]
Experts
at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Sweden were presented with
evidence how women with gum disease took over seven months to conceive,
compared to the usual five months. The researchers believe the underlying cause
is inflammation. Unchecked, this can set off a chain of reactions capable of
damaging the body's normal workings.
Periodontal
disease has already been linked with heart disease, type 2 diabetes and miscarriage, plus poor sperm quality in men. An Australian study involving over 3,700 women
indicated that those with gum disease had raised blood levels of markers for
inflammation.[4] Although speculative, as a precaution
researchers suggest that the treatment of gum disorders might influence the
outcome of infertility treatment.
According to Dr. Michael P. Rethman, president of the AAP, “[i]t is
reasonable to assume that if low levels of plaque are established and
maintained during the infertility treatment, gingival inflammation would not
affect the success of infertility treatment," "[which] would require meticulous oral
hygiene and routine professional cleanings, perhaps at the beginning of each
menstrual cycle to ensure the presence of healthy gums."
Professor
Roger Hart advises women trying to get pregnant to get a check-up by their dentist
along with other measures like stopping smoking and drinking, maintaining a
healthy weight and taking folic acid supplements. UK fertility expert Dr. Allan Pacey said,
“It's common sense advice really to make sure you are in a healthy condition [including
good oral health] if you want to try for a baby.” Around 10% of the population
is believed to have severe periodontal disease.[5]
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200
Acworth, GA 30102
770-928-7281
info@rightsmilecenter.com
Related
articles
· Dentist
Sandy Springs: 8 Windows your overall health sees through dentistry.
(therightsmile.wordpress.com)
· Dentist
Dunwoody: Top 4 Reasons Not to play hooky from Your Dental Cleanings
(therightsmile.wordpress.com)
[1] Journal of Periodontology,
June 2004
[2]
Ibid.
[3] Ananya
Mandal, MD. Gum Disease Linked to
Infertility. (2011)
[4] Professor
Roger Hart, of the University of Western Australia.
[5]
Gum disease linked to infertility http://www.news-medical.net/news/20110707/Gum-disease-linked-to-infertility.aspx.
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Posted in: Women's Health News
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