Periodontal Health and Fertility: Is there any Relationship?

Periodontal disease is a chronic microbial infection of gums and surrounding tissues. The host response to bacterial infection results in overproduction of cytokines and other inflammatory markers which has been held responsible for various systemic conditions like diabetes, respiratory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes and cardiovascular events. In recent years few studies have thrown light on the association of periodontitis with infertility and concluded that there could be possible association between periodontal disease and woman's chance of conception and effectiveness of infertility treatment. The evaluation of periodontal clinical parameters within IVF programme is a new field of research with limited information. Furthermore, effect of bacteriospermia secondary to periodontal disease resulting in decreased sperm motility or count or increased sperm apoptosis remain to be determined as only few studies have mentioned about these effects. Nevertheless, the confirmation of real association of periodontal disease with male and female infertility requires further prospective randomized trials and interventional studies. There is a need of coherent approach between gynaecologists and dentists to verify the existing relation which may establish the background for need of periodontal treatment upon diagnosis before embarking on infertility treatment.