Life is a beautiful thing, and those who choose to bring other human beings into existence would be wise to pay close attention to this article today. No, I am not a Pediatrician, OBGYN or other Clinical Practitioner, but I am a Johns Hopkins graduate who places great weight on scientific studies; and I try to make more visible the findings of valuable research that often goes unseen by those outside the dental industry.
To this end, I want to bring attention to Dr. Susanna Paju, DDS, PhD, Periodontal Specialist, at the University of Helsinki who found that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium associated with periodontal diseases, was frequently detected in the saliva among women who did not become pregnant during their studies on the matter. Some Dental Professionals, Fertility Experts and wannabe Mothers and Fathers find this very interesting and notable.
While conclusive evidence was not presented that there is a direct and attributable failure to conceive due to Periodontal issues, the findings appear to show a causal relationship. And I surmise it is paying attention to these types of causal relationships that in sum may help more women conceive, and subsequently give birth to healthier babies.
It is no secret that you are what you eat, and nutrition plays a key role in how your baby will develop. It is also believed by many Medical Professionals that general hygiene can have a profound effect on your life and that of your offspring. Unfortunately, it is not common knowledge that periodontal disease can affect a woman’s ability to conceive, and it may also affect the health of her baby if conception takes place. So, we who are aware of the latest findings should help get the word out!
There are many factors that have a bearing on fertility and conception, and we are still far away from understanding all the variables and the links. But slowly, things are being pieced together. Every little bit of information we glean from studies such as that performed in Helsinki can help those women who wish to conceive improve their chances of doing so.
Research and the insights gained from real life studies of cases over time are the first steps towards educating people about how to better improve their chances of conception. Sadly, while a variety of disciplines in the medical and scientific fields bring us closer to solving such mysteries each day, lack of public exposure to newly found data prevents many from truly benefitting from this information.
Unfortunately, Google, Facebook and other Guardians of content and the collective world knowledge have their own goals which do not always place a proper focus on educating the public. After all, there are goods to be sold, politicians to be buoyed or sunk, and personal and corporate aspirations that can set Agendas and prevent people from becoming more informed. But we can’t blame everything on the Billionaires and the Fortune 500 Companies. People must be personally responsible, do their own due diligence and use common sense.
Smoking and alcohol have long been known to have lasting effects on expecting mothers, yet many remain clueless in this regard. Worse than that, many in the know continue to throw caution to the wind. These habits can be hard to break, and many women are unable to do the right thing – quit – or at least take a break for a few months. Well, those aren’t the only mine-fields out there that can lead your baby to a more difficult life or prevent their life from coming to fruition; simple things like basic dental care have an impact too.
Fortunately, dental care has come more front and center in recent years as one area where people can improve their lives and have (healthier) offspring. Dr. Mario Garita, a famed Dental Implant Surgeon in Costa Rica said: “It amazes me how so few people pay attention to basic dental care. If they knew the true effects of Periodontal Disease on their bodies, and on the lives of their children, they would probably take better care of their teeth and gums.”
Dr. Juan Alvarado, another highly experienced Dental Implant Surgeon and Oral Rehabilitative Specialist, shared similar sentiments. He said: “Not everyone is able to reproduce, and many things remain out of our control: genes, environment, timing, and luck. But there are many things that are within our control if we want to make babies, and you would be wise to do (or if appropriate not do) those things to increase your chances of becoming pregnant, and carrying your child to his/her full term.”
Children are truly a blessing, but that doesn’t mean you can rely just on prayer, hope, or serendipity if you want to conceive. You should eat well, sleep well, live a clean life and take good care of yourself. That includes brushing, flossing, rinsing regularly with a good mouthwash, and visiting a dentist at least once or twice a year to make sure you do not develop Periodontal Disease.
If you are not regimented about anything in your life, this is a great place to start. Once basic dental care is in your muscle memory, it becomes part of you and your daily life. And it will help you live better, and probably smile more. That just leads to more positive things. And if there is ever a good habit to develop and help your children develop early, it is basic dental care.
Can Dental Tourism increase your chances of becoming pregnant? Well, I would say if you are a female, and your body is physically able to produce children, then yes. To the extent that Periodontal Disease can be overcome or mitigated, you should increase your chances of conception, if only marginally; and you may soon be explaining to your child that they are living their new and beautiful life in part because you decided to become a Dental Tourist.
If you want to discuss Dental Tourism, Periodontal Disease, Costa Rica or fertility, please contact the author at: [email protected]