Perio-fertility: the state of the art

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between periodontal disease and fertility in woman. In the literature there are several studies to determine the possible systemic and local association factors. Periodontal disease (PD) can be seen in up to 90% of the global population. Having a systemic inflammatory nature whose mechanisms seem to be in common with those of infertility itself, we wanted to evaluate the possible association. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study analyzes and discusses the scientific literature of the past ten years, consulted through PubMed and Scopus. Only twenty one studies met the inclusion/ exclusion criteria and were re viewed. Researchers have associated periodontal disease with female infertility or infamous pathologies that cause conception difficulties such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). RESULTS Tree studies are about relationship between fertility and periodontal disease using as out-cames woman’s time to conceive and the effect in vitro fertilization. Only one study was accepted according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria concerning the relationship between periodontal dis ease and endometriosis but the largest number of them concerns polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and periodontal disease (PD). The clinical aspect of the oral health is associated with the serum and salivary immuno-inflammatory values. Some bacterial species, referring to periodontal disease, are evaluated in association with fertility problems. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that there is a possible association between periodontal disease and famale infertility. Although further investigation is needed. It is necessary to analyze a larger sample and study on an animal model the possible mechanisms of connection between oral health and fertility. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Female infertility in the Western world has a significant demo graphic impact and interest in solving this problem is very high. Non-surgical periodontal treatment can be a coadjuvant in in fertility therapy. At the same time the control of infertility factors can improve oral health. Effective collaboration between different professional figures would involve safeguarding the patient’s health.