Fertility and Pregnancy Consequences of Oral Conditions
By Andrea Brockman, BSN, DDS

As would be mothers, expectant mothers, lactating mothers, and hormonally evolving mothers, being mindful of oral conditions can have more bearing on the overall health of your pregnancy and children than you think.

Although the information given here cannot take the place of a dentist or other healthcare provider for needed treatment, you can use these tips to ease situations and help you make positive health choices.

1. Neonatal Herpes

The unsightly painful mouth sores known as Oral Herpes Type 1 can make you feel lousy.  It is important to stay away from immune suppressing sweets during pregnancy and not disrupt proper nutrition needed for the baby’s growth and development. Sexual activity from a partner with oral or genital lesions can transmit Herpes Type 1 virus to the vaginal area.  Active lesions present during delivery can put the baby at risk for the dangerous neonatal herpes. Talk with your provider about the best way to protect your baby during the birthing process. Don't let anyone with a cold sore kiss your newborn and always wash your hands before touching the baby.

2. Pre-Term Birth and Low Birth Weight Babies

The bacteria found in swollen bleeding gums can be a risk factor for premature birth and low birth weight babies. Although doctors recommend you see your dental hygienist several times during your pregnancy, the best time to get your gums checked and treated is before you get pregnant. If you smoke, you are more prone to periodontal disease and should consider kicking the habit for your baby’s health and wellbeing as well as greatly lowering your own risks for a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and dental problems. Use a natural non-alcohol mouth rinse in an irrigator prior to flossing and after brushing your teeth. Talk to your providers for oral health promoting nutritional supplements and natural remedies.

3. Neurological Impairment

Mercury is a neurotoxin that goes through placenta and breast milk and can affect the brain of the developing fetus. Those silver dental amalgam fillings are made up of 50% mercury. There are safer dental materials such as composite resins that will not release mercury vapor during placement or removal of the mercury containing dental filling. If you have dental amalgams and want them removed, bear in mind that the safest time for the baby is at least three months prior to getting pregnant and after the baby is weaned. Should you be faced during your pregnancy or nursing with a dental emergency involving the removal of a mercury amalgam, see a biological dentist who uses special equipment and takes proper precautions to protect you and the baby. Express and toss your milk for 48 hours following the procedure. It is best to leave the amalgams in place during this time; however, you should avoid chewing gum and wear a mouth guard if you grind your teeth. 
 
4. Infertility

There are many reasons for this growing phenomenon.  One area that gets little attention is the affect of dental materials on the immune systems of both partners. Decreased sperm motility has been reported in studies of men with mercury amalgam fillings. Dental Assistant’s health studied abroad who were exposed to mercury where shown to have higher incidence of miscarriage and difficulty conceiving. It is important to note that mercury in dental amalgam must be properly removed from teeth to minimize the vapor exposure. A physician knowledgeable in mercury detoxification must monitor and follow up with the very delicate mercury removal from the tissues throughout the body.

Dr. Andrea Brockman, a former coronary care nurse, practiced biological dentistry for 25 years in Philadelphia. Since 2003, she is a holistic health consultant, author, lecturer, and political activist. Dr. Brockman writes consumer health books and promotes healthy living products. Visit her websites: www.oramedica.com and www.shopholistichealth.com  
 

Andrea Brockman BSN, DDS