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Oral Health & Fertility: Why Does it Matter?

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Oral health care is very much under control when oral hygiene habits are followed regularly. By brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing between your teeth and visiting dentist regularly, your oral health is in good shape.

Contents

Oral health and male fertility
Oral health and female fertility
Oral Hygiene
Visit to dentist
Diet
Quit smoking

In general, we are aware that oral health care should not be neglected. But can dental issues affect fertility? Can getting pregnant become difficult if dental issues exist? What can you do to improve oral health before you conceive?

Let’s address these questions.

Yes, dental issues can affect fertility. If oral health is not in good shape, conception gets delayed. It adds to already existing problems of fertility and decreases the chance of getting pregnant through ART (IVF cycle)

Oral health and male fertility

Dental problems like cavities, gum disease and tooth infection causes high levels of bacterial growth in the mouth. The bacterial growth spreads to other parts of the body too. Bacterial infections are present in the semen which affect sperm quality and hinders male fertility.

Oral health and female fertility

Due to chronic inflammation of the gums, the immune system can become overly reactive. This increases the risk of infertility, miscarriage and embryo implantation. There is also delay in getting pregnant.

In order to improve your dental health and thereby chances of getting pregnant, practise

Oral Hygiene

-Brush your teeth twice daily and floss. Talk to your dentist on the right technique of flossing.

-Rinse with water after you finish eating. You need not brush your teeth after every meal or after you drink something.

Visit to dentist

Regularly visit your dentist. He will examine gum health and oral hygiene. In case there are any dental issues like cavities, dental cleanings to be treated, don’t miss the scheduled appointments.

Keep a gap of three or more weeks between your cleaning and fertility treatment cycle. If x-ray has to be taken, check with your doctor whether it is safe to take between ovulation and your expected period. (the two week period).

Diet

Eat a well-balanced diet which has fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein and avoid saturated fats. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. If you can’t, limit the intake to mealtimes only.

Quit smoking

Smoking causes gum disease and harms fertility. Be committed to quit smoking.

While trying to conceive, oral healthcare is of utmost importance. You need to work consciously towards inculcating good oral hygiene habits. You definitely don’t want dental issues if any, to hinder fertility and decrease your chance to get pregnant. The key is to practise good oral hygiene and regularly visiting dentist who will monitor your overall dental health to ensure it is in good shape.

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