Pregnancy and Parenthood
“Did you know your oral microbiome has been shown to influence the journey to parenthood?”
Pregnancy and Fertility
Oral health is an important component of general health and wellbeing, but research now indicates that the maternal oral microbiome is transmitted to the baby during pregnancy. This explains the many observations of maternal periodontal disease (an imbalance of bacteria that drive gum disease) being correlated to increased risks of pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, preeclampsia and delivery of a low birthweight baby. Emerging research suggests that women with periodontal disease take longer to conceive and men with untreated tooth decay or periodontal disease display a lower sperm count, poor sperm motility and abnormal sperm morphology.
So oral health affects not just pregnancy outcomes but fertility too!
Parent Power
Often mothers do not have a choice when it comes to mode of delivery or method of feeding, but reassuringly we still have the power as parents to shape a healthy oral microbiome in our children as they grow. By teaching positive lifestyle choices, practising good oral hygiene habits and leading by example following a healthy, balanced diet, we can make a difference.