Oral Health and Idiopathic Female Infertility: A Potential Association.

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the possible link between periodontal and dental health and idiopathic female infertility in South East Hungary, along with identifying relevant sociodemographic factors.

Methods and materials: The study included women with idiopathic infertility and pregnant women (controls). All participants underwent a dental and periodontal examination, alongside a gynaecological assessment. Data were analysed by group (infertile vs control) and by age, education, and residence.

Results: The study included 85 infertile and 65 pregnant women. Infertile women were older (34.5 vs 31 years, P 0.001). Plaque scores were higher in controls compared to the infertile group (0.62 vs 0.52, P = 0.028), but there were no significant differences in bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth, or body mass index. No group differences were observed for BOP ≥ 50% or ≥ 4 mm pocket depth. Significant differences were found in the number of filled teeth (P = 0.017) and decayed, missing, filled surfaces (DMFS) (P = 0.022). Educational level and residence impacted periodontal outcomes, with lower education and rural residence associated with poorer results.

Conclusion: This study found no significant clinical differences between infertile women and pregnant controls regarding periodontal disease. While sociodemographic variations were noted, the results highlight the importance of dental care during pregnancy. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.