Periodontitis may be significantly associated with decreased sperm mobility, abnormal structure, and increased fragmentation in its DNA, according to a systematic review published on May 21 in BMC Oral Health.
The study suggests that chronic mouth inflammation may have systemic effects on the reproductive health of men, the authors wrote.
“Considering the identified pathophysiological mechanisms, maintaining optimal oral health may play a crucial role in improving sperm quality, particularly for men with infertility concerns,” wrote the authors, led by Dr. Maryam Kutenaei of Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences in Bandar Abbas, Iran.
Globally, periodontitis is one of the most prevalent oral health conditions. Studies suggest that it can affect overall health, including male reproductive health. Inflammation associated with periodontitis might interfere with spermatogenesis and alter other factors related to fertility.
The authors surmise that chronic inflammation caused by gum disease may lead to a disruption in reproductive activity by raising the levels of inflammatory cytokines and enhancing oxidative stress, which could affect sperm quality.
To investigate the possible correlation between gum disease and sperm quality to outline implications for male infertility, nine studies involving 1,386 men were included in the review. Case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies involving adults investigating the relationship between periodontal disease and sperm quality based on factors, including mobility and morphology, were included, according to the systematic review.
Chronic gum inflammation, via the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, was found to negatively affect sperm motility, morphology, and DNA integrity, the authors wrote.
However, the evidence related to sperm count and concentration was not consistent, they wrote.
Nevertheless, the study had limitations. A meta-analysis could not be conducted due to the significant heterogeneity among the included studies, the authors wrote.
Addressing gum health in men with poor sperm quality may be a strategy for prevention. In the future, studies should focus on large-scale, prospective studies to confirm this association and to clarify causation, they wrote.
“As the link between periodontal disease and male fertility becomes more evident, periodontal care may prove to be a promising approach in fertility treatment protocols,” Kutenaei and colleagues wrote.
