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Flossing for Fertility

Pay Attention to Oral Health When You're Trying to Conceive

By Kelly Burgess

Koko, a 300-pound gorilla who resides at the Gorilla Foundation in Woodside, Calif., is famous for her ability to communicate in American Sign Language. With an impressive vocabulary of more than 1,000 signs, she was more than capable of letting her handlers know that she was suffering from a bad toothache. Since the dental care had to be done while Koko was under general anesthetic, her handlers took the opportunity for a full physical exam. What they were really looking for was the reason for Koko's infertility. She and her mate, Ndume, have been trying unsuccessfully for 11 years to have a baby.

When Dr. Rethman heard that Koko had been treated for periodontal disease, he sent a congratulatory letter on behalf of the American Periodontal Association. He also let Koko's handlers know that periodontal disease has been implicated in infertility and expressed his hopes that resolving Koko's dental issues might result in a pregnancy. It hasn't even been a month since Koko's appointment, but it will be interesting to see if she does get pregnant now that her periodontitis has been resolved. If she does, Koko will become a compelling example of the importance of good oral health.