By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

According to experts gum disease may reduce the chances of getting pregnant. Poor oral health is as bad for fertility as obesity – delaying conception by about two months says latest research.

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. This new study from Australia, which involved over 3,700 women, those with gum disease had raised blood levels of markers for inflammation.

There were even further disparities among non-Caucasian women with gum disease and white females with good dental health. The researchers compared the effects of gum disease on a woman’s ability to conceive to those that have been associated with obesity.

According to lead researcher Professor Roger Hart, of the University of Western Australia, “Until now, there have been no published studies that investigate whether gum disease can affect a woman’s chance of conceiving, so this is the first report to suggest that gum disease might be one of several factors that could be modified to improve the chances of a pregnancy.” He advised 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 if you want to try for a baby.” Around 10% of the population is believed to have severe periodontal disease.

Did you know that your oral health can offer clues about your overall health? Or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Understand the intimate connection between oral health and overall health and what you can do to protect yourself.
What’s the connection between oral health and overall health?

Your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, harmful bacteria can sometimes grow out of control and cause oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, dental procedures, medications, or treatments that reduce saliva flow, disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth or breach the mouth’s normal protective barriers may make it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.

What conditions may be linked to oral health?

Your oral health may affect, be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:

Endocarditis. Gum disease and dental procedures that cut your gums may allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a weak immune system or a damaged heart valve, this can cause infection in other parts of the body — such as an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis).
Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from periodontitis — a severe form of gum disease.
Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. In addition, people who have inadequate blood sugar control may develop more-frequent and severe infections of the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place, and they may lose more teeth than do people who have good blood sugar control.
HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle — may be associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
Alzheimer’s disease. Tooth loss before age 35 may be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Other conditions. Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include Sjogren’s syndrome — an immune system disorder — and eating disorders.

Be sure to tell your dentist if you’re taking any medications or have had any changes in your overall health — especially if you’ve had any recent illnesses or you have a chronic condition.
How can I protect my oral health?

To protect your oral health, resolve to practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:

-Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
-Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
-Floss daily.
-Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
-Schedule regular dental checkups.

Also, watch for signs and symptoms of oral disease and contact your dentist as soon as a problem arises. Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.