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Periodontal Disease bacteria may interfere with conception in women
A recent study published in the Journal of Oral Microbiology examined the effect of the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis on conception in women. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, severe chronic periodontitis is the sixth most common medical condition. Periodontal disease has been associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and premature birth. The systemic effects may be related to bacterial lipolysaccharide (LPS) and a pro-inflammatory state. The gram-negative bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans have been implicated in periodontal disease and systemic disease.
Infection and inflammation are related to fertility due to an affect on the ovary, uterus, embryo, and implantation. Another study has associated periodontal disease and endometriosis. Periodontal disease and infertility share common risk factors including age, obesity, and smoking, but the association needs further clarification.
An observational study was performed in a prospective setting with a cohort of young women trying to get pregnant. The mean age was 29.2 years with a range from 19-42 years from Finland. The main finding of the study was that detection of P. gingivalis in saliva and elevated salivary antibodies against this bacteria resulted in a significantly increased risk for unsuccessful conception. The results were independent of age, smoking status, socioeconomic status, and previous deliveries. P. gingivalis very well may delay conception or at least be a marker of this association.
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20002297.2017.1330644
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Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.