Comparative Evaluation of Periodontal Alteration in Pregnant Women in Relation to Foetal Sex

Abstract

Objective: Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition with a diverse aetiology that affects the gums and tooth supporting structures and, if untreated, can lead to tooth loss, dental implant loss and a reduced quality of life and self-confidence. Recent research has found that pregnant women with male foetuses experience more inflammation than those with female foetuses. Furthermore, periodontal disease has been linked to poor birth outcomes, emphasizing the significance of this research. Determine the extent of periodontal change in pregnant women in relation to foetal sex. Methods:We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study from January 10th to May 30th 2022, recruiting participants from the YCH, the FMBS's laboratory of dental implantology and periodontology, and analysing samples at the YUTH Biochemistry laboratory. The sera samples were then used to analyse hormones (Testosterone and Progesterone) using the ELISA competitive and sandwich methods. Results:The average age was 30 years old, and the average gestational age was 31 weeks. In both groups, we found a 58% prevalence of PD, with 30% of the 58% being in women carrying male foetuses. Testosterone levels were higher in women carrying male foetuses than in women carrying female foetuses. Between people with periodontal disease and those who did not, there was a moderately strong relationship (r=0.552) and a statistically significant difference (p=0.042) in testosterone levels. Conclusion:Pregnancy increases the risk of periodontal disease. During pregnancy, the sex hormone progesterone had no significant association with the development of periodontal disease. Finally, women carrying male foetuses had a higher prevalence of periodontal disease than women carrying female foetuses.