Oral Health, Red Light Therapy and Fertility
What Your Mouth Might Be Telling Your Ovaries
When we think about preparing for pregnancy, most of us think: eat better, move more, ditch the toxins, track ovulation, time intercourse/fertility treatments. But what if I told you that your mouth deserves a spot on your TTC checklist too?
You may have heard the phrase that someone was ‘flapping their gums’ (gossiping)…it turns out, your gums might also be sharing important information with your reproductive organs. The mouth contains the largest microbial community in humans besides the gut and is crucial to our health.
Periodontal Disease = More Than Just a Tooth Problem
A 2021 review published in Reproduction and Fertility explored whether gum disease (aka periodontitis) could impact your chances of conceiving. The answer? There’s growing evidence that yes, it could
Here’s why:
Chronic inflammation from periodontal disease isn’t likely to stay confined to your mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory cytokines can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body - like your ovaries. These inflammatory signals can disrupt hormonal balance and can even trigger immune responses that interfere with implantation and early pregnancy.
Pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis (a mouth-dwelling villain) have actually been found in amniotic fluid and placental tissues of women with poor oral health - demonstrating clearly how what happens in your mouth - doesn't always stay in your mouth.
And in one fascinating observational study, women with periodontitis took more than 2 months longer to conceive on average than women with healthy gums. There’s also new evidence that an imbalance in our oral microbiome is linked with migraines and fibromyalgia.
Oral Inflammation + PCOS? A Double-Whammy
The review also noted a unique connection between PCOS and oral health. Women with PCOS showed higher levels of antibodies to oral bacteria, suggesting their immune system may already be on high alert. And that inflammation? It’s not helping when it comes to making babies easily!
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So What Can You Do?
See your dentist before starting fertility treatments, or better yet, when you're TTC naturally.
Clean up your oral hygiene routine: brush, floss, rinse... and repeat (careful with your choice of mouthwash which can kill the bad guys - but also the healthy microbes we need). Your saliva is designed to maintain the healthy bacteria in your mouth and if you’re healthy using mouthwash every day is no longer recommended by some dentists.
Choose oral care that supports your fertility goals, which brings us to my favorite new find for women’s health - pre-conception and during pregnancy.
NOVAALab Oral Care blue and red light device for oral health.
Red light to reduce inflammation and heal infected tissues.
Oral health isn’t just about fresh breath and glowing teeth. When you're trying to conceive, it's part of the whole-body picture. So if you’re investing in supplements, PBM, and fertility-friendly food, it's time to add your gums to the conversation.
A healthier mouth might just be the missing piece in your fertility journey. Learn more about my top recommended devices for home use for fertility if accessing laser therapy isn’t an option in your community.
Tracy
