Chronic oral inflammation can cause a systemic immune response that affects the ovaries and impairs female fertility. New research shows this can lead to oxidative damage, reduced egg quality, inhibited follicle development, and reduced birth rates. These findings point to a potential biological link between oral health and unexplained infertility and provide new directions for future treatments.
A new study led by Professor Michael Kurstein of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Professor Asaf Wilensky of the Hebrew University Hadassah Medical Center, and led by students Dr. Paz Krez and Dr. Steven Amejo, reveals a striking biological link between chronic oral inflammation and female fertility, suggesting that oral conditions can have far-reaching effects on reproductive health.
Published in dental research journalthis study shows that persistent inflammation in the oral cavity can impair ovarian function, reduce egg quality, and ultimately reduce conception rates.
The researchers investigated inflammation associated with dental implants, a common clinical scenario, in a mouse model and tracked how immune signals spread throughout the body. Their findings revealed that the inflammation is not confined to the oral cavity, but instead triggers a systemic immune response that extends to the ovaries.
The results were significant. Chronic oral inflammation in animals was associated with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in the ovary, along with changes in immune cell populations. This was accompanied by oxidative damage to ovarian tissue, impaired follicle development, and decreased oocyte quality.
These biological changes translate into measurable reproductive outcomes, with a marked reduction in birth rate observed under inflammatory conditions in animals.
The study also identified deeper cellular effects. Oocytes exhibit DNA damage and epigenetic changes similar to those seen in reproductive aging, suggesting that inflammation may be a mechanism by which fertility accelerates decline.
Although inflammation is often thought of as a local reaction, our findings show that inflammation can have systemic effects that extend to the reproductive system. This study suggests that chronic oral inflammation may be an under-recognized factor in female infertility, potentially contributing to cases for which there is currently no clear explanation. ”
Professor Michael Kurstein, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The findings add to the evidence that oral health is closely linked to overall health. Chronic oral inflammatory conditions such as periodontitis are widespread and already associated with a variety of systemic diseases.
The researchers note that further investigation in clinical settings is essential to determine how these findings translate into patient care. If confirmed, this study could open up new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues, including the use of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant approaches to improve fertility outcomes.
sauce:
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Reference magazines:
Kress, P. others. (2026). Chronic oral inflammation impairs female reproduction in a mouse model. dental research journal. DOI: 10.1177/00220345251412768. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00220345251412768
