There are many factors that contribute to a healthy and successful pregnancy. Couples and individuals who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant must pay special attention to their diets, exercise, sleep patterns, and oral health. Although oral health is often overlooked during pregnancy, it can affect both the health of the mother and the health of the child.
Oral hygiene doesn’t just affect the mouth and teeth, but it can also influence bones, the cardiovascular system, and the immune system. If oral health is overlooked during pregnancy, there could be negative effects for both the mother and the child.
What oral health conditions can impact fertility?
Infertility affects more than 48.5 million couples worldwide. Since this is such a prevalent issue, couples should try to limit factors that could contribute to infertility.
Poor oral health can affect fertility in both men and women, making it essential for both partners to prioritize their dental health. Couples trying to become pregnant should visit their local dentist to assess their oral health. Two conditions that could negatively affect fertility include tooth decay and periodontitis.
Tooth decay
According to a 2018 study, tooth decay is linked to male infertility. Tooth decay is when bacteria in plaque eat away at the enamel of your teeth. The decay can cause holes, cracks, and fractures in the enamel (cavities). If left untreated, the teeth can become infected and cause abscesses, facial swelling, fever, and blood infections. In addition, tooth decay can decrease the body’s immune response, affecting men’s ability to produce high-quality sperm.
Tooth decay will also allow bacteria from the infected tooth to enter the bloodstream. When this happens, both men and women can suffer infertility issues.
You can avoid tooth decay by taking care of your teeth. Tooth decay occurs when plaque is allowed to build up on the surface of your teeth. A fast way to look for plaque is to run your tongue over the surface of your teeth. If your teeth feel fuzzy, there’s plaque. You can also scrape a clean fingernail on your teeth – the sticky, white substance that comes away from the tooth is plaque.
Most people can keep plaque away by brushing and flossing their teeth for two minutes in the morning and at night. However, you should also schedule regular dentist appointments for professional tooth cleaning.
Periodontitis
Gum health is linked to several health conditions, from diabetes to heart disease. Periodontitis, or gum disease, occurs when the gums become inflamed and bloody. Without treatment, periodontitis affects the bones that hold your teeth together, causing your teeth to loosen or fall out.
A person with periodontitis will have low fertility, including both men and women. For men, periodontitis will decrease sperm count and quality. Periodontitis in women acts similarly to the effects of smoking on fertility, making it more difficult for women to conceive.
You can prevent gum disease by practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth, flossing, using mouthwash, and scheduling regular dentist appointments can prevent periodontitis. If you notice inflamed gums, make an appointment with your dentist immediately, as some forms of gum disease can progress quickly.
For example, most studies show that plaque can cause inflamed gums within a few days. After the initial inflammation, plaque will harden into harmful tartar within 48 hours.
What pregnancy complications can arise from poor oral health?
In addition to affecting fertility before pregnancy, poor oral health during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications for those who are already pregnant. Knowing how quickly oral diseases can progress, pregnant individuals must be mindful and cautious of their oral health.
Without immediate treatment, poor oral hygiene can increase the chances of low birth weight, premature delivery, and pre-eclampsia.
Low birth weight
Low birth weight is when a baby weighs less than five pounds and eight ounces at birth. In some cases, this won’t affect the baby’s health, even though they’re considered smaller than average. However, low birth weight can contribute to other poor health outcomes, including:
- Fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity;
- Inhibited growth and cognitive development;
- Noncommunicable diseases later in life.
Maternal periodontal disease can increase the chances of low birth weight in a child since it can lead to inflammation in the mother’s body. The inflammation can create a hostile environment for the child’s growth.
Premature delivery
A premature delivery refers to the birth of a baby before the completion of the normal gestational period of 37 to 42 weeks. There are four stages of preterm deliveries:
- Late preterm: A baby born between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
- Moderately preterm: A baby born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.
- Very preterm: A baby born between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
- Extremely preterm: A baby born before 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Preterm babies are at an increased risk for health problems and may require immediate medical attention. Preterm babies often have lower body temperatures, trouble breathing, and feeding problems. They may need to be treated in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
A study published in the National Library of Medicine found, “Among the 35,267 women studied, in the multivariate analysis, mothers who did not receive dental care during pregnancy and did not have a teeth cleaning during pregnancy were at higher risk for delivering a preterm infant.”
Protecting your oral health during pregnancy is essential for completing a healthy pregnancy. Remember to schedule regular doctor and dentist appointments to assess for possible complications and oral diseases.
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition affecting pregnant individuals. It usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and causes high blood pressure and high protein levels in the urine. Women may experience headaches, blurry vision, abdominal pain, swelling, and shortness of breath. Serious side effects can complicate the pregnancy and cause preterm delivery.
A 2014 study found that pregnant women with gingival inflammation and poor oral hygiene were more likely to have pre-eclampsia.
Protecting your oral health before and after conception
Good oral hygiene practices can help couples and individuals increase their chances of conception and decrease their risks of complications after conception.
Follow your oral care routine
Many people don’t associate an oral care routine with fertility and neonatal health; however, hundreds of studies prove otherwise. Reproductive organs thrive in a holistic, healthy body, and oral health is part of that system.
Following a daily oral care routine is a simple way to reduce your risk of pregnancy complications. Meet with your dentist to discuss the best oral hygiene products and routines for your schedule. Most dentists recommend the following:
- Brush your teeth twice per day;
- Floss your teeth once each day;
- Schedule a dental check-up at the start of your pregnancy;
- Be open and honest with your dentist about your concerns;
- Keep your dentist appointments throughout your pregnancy.
Your oral hygiene may be different during your pregnancy. For example, many women experience morning sickness and vomiting during pregnancy, which can increase the risk of tooth decay. Some pregnant people might also experience nausea or tender gums while brushing their teeth. If you experience these complications, don’t worry. Simply follow your routine as best as possible and speak to your dentist for alternative solutions.
Address any symptoms early with your dentist
Expecting parents should contact their dentist quickly if they notice any oral symptoms, including tooth sensitivity, inflamed and sore gums, graying teeth, or redness around the gums. Your dentist can quickly address issues while they’re still mild, reducing the chances that the issue will affect the health of the baby. Don’t wait to schedule a dentist appointment if you have oral health concerns.
Pregnant women should also reach out to their OB/GYN to address how oral concerns might affect the baby’s health.