Abstract
Maternal periodontal disease has been linked to adverse pregnancy sequelae, including preterm birth (PTB); yet, root planing and scaling in pregnancy has not been associated with improved perinatal outcomes. Fluoride, a cariostatic agent, has been added to drinking water and dental products to prevent caries and improve dental health. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of fluoride supplementation using a mouse model of preterm birth and perinatal sequalae. Pregnant mice were fed low dose fluoride (LF−) or high dose fluoride (HF−) and given intrauterine injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). We found that LPS + LF− significantly increased livebirths, pup survival, and litter size compared to LPS alone. Moreover, offspring from the LPS + LF− group exhibited significantly improved neuromotor performance and more neurons compared to those from the LPS group. Additionally, LF− treatment on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) increased cell viability and decreased oxidative stress after treatment with LPS. Collectively, our data demonstrates that maternal LF− supplementation during pregnancy postpones the onset of PTB, acts to increase the liveborn rate and survival time of newborns, and reduces perinatal brain injury in cases of intrauterine inflammation.
Highlights
The results of epidemiological, molecular, microbiological and animal-model studies support a positive association between maternal periodontal disease and PTB17
There was no significant difference in the preterm birth (PTB) rate between LPS (73.1%), LPS + LF− (66.7%), and LPS + HF− (91.7%) groups 36 h after intrauterine LPS injection (Table 1, p > 0.05, Chi-squared test)
Surface righting tests completed at PND9 show that maternal supplementation with LF− significantly improved pups’ neuromotor behaviors compared to those in the LPS group (Fig. 3, p < 0.01, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc test)
Summary
The results of epidemiological, molecular, microbiological and animal-model studies support a positive association between maternal periodontal disease (periodontitis) and PTB17. Periodontal disease and PTB share many of the same common risk factors, including age, smoking habits, low socioeconomic status, and systemic health status. Fluoride (F−) plays an important role in upholding good oral hygiene. It is classified as a cariostatic agent, which is a substance that blocks the formation of dental caries. The role of low dose fluoride (LF−) on pregnancy outcomes, recommended by the NAM, has not been very well explored. We aimed to explore the effects of fluoride supplementation at levels recommended by the NAM on obstetrical outcomes using a mouse model of IUI.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
