Chronic oral inflammation may impair female fertility

Franziska Beier, Dental Tribune International

Fri. 3 July 2026

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JERUSALEM: Infertility is a major reproductive health concern worldwide, and a substantial proportion of cases have no clear explanation. Chronic oral inflammation has been linked to reproductive health, but the mechanisms by which it may affect female fertility remain poorly understood. Now, a new study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Hadassah Medical Center has provided evidence for a biological pathway between chronic oral inflammation and impaired female fertility, suggesting possible directions for future research into unexplained infertility.

To better understand how oral inflammation may influence female reproductive health, the researchers used a mouse model of inflammation associated with dental implants. They found that oral inflammation triggered a systemic immune response that extended to the ovaries. This response was associated with elevated cytokine levels, changes in ovarian immune cell populations, oxidative tissue damage, impaired development of the ovarian follicles and reduced quality of oocytes, the cells that develop into eggs.

The study also identified DNA damage and epigenetic alterations in oocytes that resembled those seen in reproductive ageing. The researchers suggested that this may help explain how chronic inflammation could contribute to declining fertility.

“Inflammation is often thought of as a localised response, but our findings show that it can have systemic consequences that extend as far as the reproductive system,” said co-author Dr Michael Klutstein, associate professor in the Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Faculty of Dental Medicine, in a university press release. “This work suggests that chronic oral inflammation may be an under-recognised factor in female infertility, potentially contributing to cases that currently have no clear explanation.”

Evidence grows on oral health and female fertility

Infertility affects an estimated 15% of couples worldwide and remains a significant public health concern. Female factors contribute to around half of all infertility cases, and common causes include ovulatory disorders, abnormalities of the fallopian tubes or uterus, endometriosis and genetic conditions. In approximately 85% of infertile couples, an underlying cause can be identified, however, around 15% of cases remain unexplained.

Previous studies have examined links between oral health and female fertility. Findings of a recent review suggest a plausible relationship between periodontal disease and reduced fertility; however, the researchers stated that clinical validation in humans is lacking. A 2025 review focused on the oral microbiome in relation to infertility-related disorders such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. It suggested that oral dysbiosis may influence female fertility either directly, through periodontal pathogens spreading from the oral cavity to reproductive organs via the bloodstream, or indirectly, through systemic inflammation. A pilot study comparing women attending fertility clinics with matched controls found a higher occurrence of periodontal disease among the women receiving fertility care.

Influence of oral inflammation on male reproductive health

Previous research has also addressed possible links between periodontitis and reproductive health in men. As reported by Dental Tribune International, severe periodontitis is increasingly being recognised as a risk factor for conditions such as erectile dysfunction, reduced sperm concentration and quality, and prostate cancer. In addition, a systematic review identified a nearly threefold association between periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction, and a prospective study found that men with periodontitis and erectile dysfunction had an almost fourfold higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Potential role of dentistry in supporting reproductive health

The researchers emphasised that further clinical investigations are needed to determine how these findings may translate to patient care. Future studies should therefore explore whether the association between oral inflammation and female fertility is seen in humans and whether reducing oral inflammation could influence reproductive outcomes. Randomised clinical trials are needed to assess whether periodontal treatment has value in reproductive care.

Should future research confirm this link, dentistry could play a greater role in supporting reproductive health through patient education and the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontal care could then become part of a broader strategy to support conception and reduce inflammation-related risks during pregnancy.

The study, titled “Chronic oral inflammation impairs female reproduction in a murine model”, was published online on 2 April 2026 in the Journal of Dental Research, ahead of inclusion in an issue.