The surprising link between oral health & fertility

What if I told you that your oral health is super important when it comes to fertility?

When you think about fertility, your teeth and gums probably aren’t the first things that come to mind. But here’s the thing - your oral health plays a massive role in your reproductive health and it could be influencing your journey to parenthood more than you realise.

Oral health and fertility - what's the connection?

Oral health is so often overlooked when couples are struggling to conceive but the research suggests that it plays a key role in reproductive health. Here's why:

Pathogenic bacteria floating around in the oral cavity have a direct impact on our gut health - imagine introducing bacterial trouble makers every time you swallow! We know that our gut health is intrinsically linked with hormonal health, immune health, digestive health, inflammation and vaginal health to name a few, all of which are crucial for our reproductive health. On top of that, oral infections such as gum disease can cause chronic inflammation which again can disrupt reproductive health.

Ladies, listen up!

Studies show that women with gum disease, or poor oral health, may take longer to get pregnant compared to those with healthy gums. Here’s why:

• Hormonal imbalances. Inflammation from gum disease has been associated with hormonal imbalances, whacky cycles and impaired ovulation. Plus, the inflammation may worsen conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, which can make conception more challenging.

• Increased risk of miscarriage. Certain oral bacteria have been found in the reproductive tract and may contribute to early pregnancy loss.

• Pregnancy complications. Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight and preeclampsia.

And let's not forget the men!

Men, your oral health matters too! Studies show that poor gum health can be detrimental to male reproductive health:

• Lower sperm quality and count. Chronic inflammation caused by poor oral health has been linked to reduced sperm quality and count.

• Links to erectile dysfunction. Research suggests that poor oral health and gum disease is associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction due to its impact on blood vessel health.

• Increased sperm DNA fragmentation. Oral bacteria can trigger oxidative stress as well as inflammation, both of which may increase sperm DNA damage.

5 simple ways to support your oral health & fertility

If you're suffering with bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, tooth decay, loose teeth, and sores that don't heal easily, it may be that your oral health may need some TLC. Luckily there are lots of things we can do and here are my top 5.

• Brush 2-3 times daily. Electric toothbrushes tend to provide a better clean than manual ones

• Floss daily. Using floss and interdental brushes once a day after brushing your teeth helps to keep all the little nooks and crannies as clean as possible

• Don't forget to clean your tongue. Your tongue is an absolute haven for bacteria so make sure you don't forget to clean it!

• Consider a probiotic mouthwash. A good quality probiotic mouthwash can be a great way to keep your oral microbiome healthy and happy

• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps to wash away bacteria and keeps saliva production strong.

The bottom line: oral health matters

Caring for your oral health is worth it guys! Not just for a lovely sparkly smile but it can pack a real punch when it comes to fertility. So pay attention to any signs of bacterial overload or gum disease and get that check up booked in!