The Oral Microbiome & Fertility: How Mouth Health Impacts Egg and Sperm Quality

We’re diving into the oral microbiome and how your mouth could be impacting both egg and sperm quality.

Could what’s happening in your mouth be impacting your fertility?

In this episode, we dive into the surprising connection between your oral microbiome and reproductive health. From silent gum inflammation to the role of mouth breathing, you’ll learn how your oral health can influence everything from egg quality and implantation to gut balance and sperm DNA.

We’re breaking down practical steps—like dental cleanings, gentle oral care, and smart toothpaste swaps—that can make a real difference on your fertility journey.

If you’re trying to conceive and looking for overlooked but powerful strategies, this one’s for you. 💫

This episode is for you:

💔 You’ve experienced canceled cycles, poor egg quality, or miscarriage and no one’s given you a clear explanation why.

📈 You’re preparing for your next egg retrieval or transfer and want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to optimize your chances of success.

🦷 You have bleeding gums, recurring cavities, or gingivitis—and you’re wondering what that has to do with egg quality and fertility.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why oral inflammation is often silent—but still disrupts fertility

How male fertility is also impacted by oral bacteria

Practical (and gentle!) oral care strategies that support reproductive health

The surprising link between mouth breathing, sleep quality, and hormone signaling

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RESOURCES

1. Oral Health and Male Fertility

Study: "Periodontal disease and semen quality in infertile men" (2016)

Findings: This study demonstrated a significant association between periodontal disease and poor semen quality, including lower sperm count, motility, and morphology. The study suggests that inflammation from oral infections can negatively impact male fertility.

Reference: Journal of Periodontology (2016), DOI: 10.1902/jop.2016.160118.

Study: "The association between periodontal disease and male infertility: A systematic review" (2019)

Findings: This systematic review concluded that there is a significant correlation between periodontal disease and male infertility, with findings indicating that gum disease can impact sperm quality and DNA fragmentation.

Reference: Human Reproduction Update (2019), DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz009.

2. Oral Health and Female Fertility

Study: "Periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis" (2010)

Findings: This meta-analysis found that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage. The study suggested that periodontal treatment could reduce these risks in pregnant women.

Reference: American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (2010), DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.01.020.

Study: "Periodontal disease and pregnancy: A review" (2013)

Findings: This review explored how oral bacteria can contribute to preterm birth and other pregnancy complications, emphasizing the need for better oral health care during pregnancy to optimize outcomes.

Reference: Journal of the American Dental Association (2013), DOI: 10.14219/jada.archive.2013.0187.

3. Oral Pathogens and Systemic Inflammation

Study: "Oral bacteria in seminal fluid and male infertility" (2019)

Findings: This study found that oral pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum can be detected in seminal fluid, suggesting that these bacteria can travel from the mouth to the reproductive system and affect sperm quality.

Reference: Journal of Clinical Periodontology (2019), DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13199.

4. Oral Microbiome and Gut Health

Study: "T