Want a baby? Brush your teeth: Study

Women who want to get pregnant should brush and floss regularly to increase fertility rates, a study has shown.

SIGNIFICANT FACTOR. Oral health is a significant factor to consider when you’re aiming to get pregnant.

A Swedish fertility expert said that women trying for a baby should look after their oral health.

Roger Hart, Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University and Medical Director of Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, said that gum disease might affect women’s conception, much like the effect of obesity on pregnancy.

The study

The study is the first research that investigates the relationship between a woman’s chances of getting pregnant and oral health condition.

For their research, Hart and his colleagues analyzed data of over 3,400 pregnant women from Western Australia who took part in a study called SMILE, which investigated how treatment for gum disease affects pregnancy.

The study revealed that women with gum disease took longer time to conceive compared to women with healthy oral conditions. It took around five months for the women with healthy gums to conceive – two months earlier compared to those with poor oral health.

In the case of non-Caucasian women, it appeared that it would take them more than 12 months to become pregnant if they have gum disease.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup. It can lead to bad breath and bleeding gums. If left untreated, it would cause cavities, receding gums and tooth loss.

Brushing and flossing gets rid of plaque. It this is not done regularly, the plaque turns hard and becomes tartar.

Failure to brush properly can allow 700 different types of bacteria to get into the bloodstream.

Maintaining a healthy mouth can decrease the possibility of harmful effects to the developing baby, especially when dental care is received prior to conception and routinely throughout the pregnancy to ensure there is no risk to mother or child.