Interview If you have an unfulfilled desire to have a baby, you should also visit a dentist

Why a visit to a dentist can have a positive effect on fertility

If the fulfillment of the desire to have a child is delayed, couples often search desperately for possible causes. They focus in many cases on the hormone levels and the reproductive system. However, many do not know that the condition of the teeth affects fertility. Dr. Stephan Ziegler, chief dentist and founder of the KU64 dental practice from Berlin, explains why couples with an unfulfilled wish to have children should have their check-in at the dentist.

Hidden danger

Inflammations weaken the entire body and can thus prevent the onset of pregnancy. According to the "Fifth German Oral Health Study", especially in the oral cavity, nearly half of all adults in Germany suffer from a disease called periodontal disease. [1] 1) It is rarely noticed by those affected.

Only in the advanced stage, the gums go back visibly, the jawbone is broken down and in the worst case threatens tooth loss. "Once the oral cavity is weakened, dangerous microorganisms invade the body through it. In an existing pregnancy pathogens spread in the amniotic fluid, which increases the risk of premature birth, " Ziegler.

Periodontitis can limit fertility

Women suffering from periodontitis, the likelihood of pregnancy decreases. In addition, it often takes longer for patients to get pregnant, as in healthy women. But not only the female sex is affected: The fertility of men is also reduced, because bacteria reduce both the sperm production and their quality. In most cases, however, the teeth are not the sole cause of the lack of baby luck.

Dental treatment increases chances of receiving

In order to rule out that the unfulfilled desire to have children is related to the teeth, it makes sense for both partners to go to the dentist. Depending on the severity of the disease, if the patient has periodontitis, he or she will resort to different methods. While in some cases professional teeth cleaning will be enough to rid the mouth of harmful germs, antibiotics will be used at an advanced stage.

After successful treatment, the chances increase that the desire to have a baby comes true. "If it worked with the pregnancy, women should, by the way, regularly take check-ups at the dentist. Because hormone changes change the texture of the gums and promote the development of periodontitis, "explains Dr. med. Ziegler concluding.