By Grace Clark, Guest Blogger for the BodyMind InstituteDental Marketer for Michael G. Long, DDS
Gum disease has been linked to health issues such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disorders, and even complications during pregnancy. While the risk is high for anyone with poor oral hygiene, women may be more susceptible to periodontal disease and other dental issues than men.
Puberty, pregnancy, menstrual cycles, menopause, and contraceptive pills cause hormonal changes in your body. Increased hormone levels affect blood supply to your gums as well as your body’s response to toxins found in dental plaque, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Situations where the risk is highest include:
- Puberty – Increased estrogen and progesterone levels during puberty can lead to increased blood flow and sensitivity in the gums. Tooth brushing and flossing become difficult if gums are swollen, tender, or bleeding, while exposed gum surfaces are more prone to bacterial infections.
- Menstruation – The start of the menstrual cycle is usually accompanied by hormonal changes, especially an increase in progesterone levels. This can result in the swelling of gums or salivary glands, and even cold sores or canker sores that go away with the onset of your period.
- Contraceptive Pills – Apart from birth control, contraceptive pills are often taken to regulate the menstrual cycle. However, they cause an increase in progesterone levels, which can lead to gum inflammation. Let your dentist know if you take contraceptive pills so your treatment can be tailored accordingly.
- Pregnancy – Chaotic hormonal levels and an increase in progesterone are common during pregnancy. Morning sickness and a higher gag reflex can also make tooth brushing and flossing difficult.
All of these factors can combine to cause a form of gum disease known as pregnancy gingivitis, where your gums become more sensitive to bacterial plaque. In some cases, even the tiniest buildup of plaque can cause irritated gums, inflammation, and bleeding. Pregnancy gingivitis can also turn into serious periodontal disease over time.
Studies suggest that gum disease raises the chance of pre-term and low-weight births, so make sure you practice good oral hygiene and get frequent prenatal dental checkups. Pre-existing dental conditions should be treated before your pregnancy, but you can schedule professional teeth cleanings during the second or early third trimester.
- Menopause – Advancing age and menopause comes with its own problems for women, particularly oral health issues. Hormonal imbalances and certain medication can cause xerostomia or dry mouth due to a decrease in salivary flow, as well as gum sensitivity or inflammation, BMS or burning mouth syndrome, changes in taste, etc.A decrease in saliva production can encourage bacterial growth, which can lead to tooth decay as well as receding or bleeding gums. This is because saliva washes away food particles and acids from the mouth, and it also helps to maintain the health of hard and soft oral tissue.Low estrogen levels during menopause could also cause tooth decay and periodontal disease, along with osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw.
A Note on Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that weakens bones by reducing their density, affecting more women than men. It’s extremely common in women over the age of 50, but can be difficult to diagnose and often remains unnoticed until severe bone loss takes place. Dentists are often the first to detect the disorder, based on warning signs such as tooth loss, bone loss in the jaw, loose dentures, and gum disease.
Important Dental Care Tips for Women
Here are some important tips for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental issues:
- Brush your teeth twice daily, floss at least once a day, and clean your tongue properly to reduce bacterial buildup. Get regular dental cleanings to control tartar buildup as well.
- If you have trouble brushing or flossing during pregnancy, keep washing your mouth with clean water, and ask your dentist to recommend an antibacterial mouth rinse.
- Avoid sugary, starchy or acidic foods, especially fizzy drinks. These deplete the body of calcium along with raising the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- If you’re a smoker, kick the butt to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and dental problems. Start exercising regularly, and restrict your caffeine and alcohol consumption as well.
- If you have dry mouth, chew sugar-free gum or ask your dentist to recommend an oral rinse. Drink plenty of water to keep washing away food particles, acids, and bacteria.
- To fight osteoporosis, make sure you’re getting enough calcium and B vitamins in your diet, as well as Vitamins D and K2, which help with calcium absorption and metabolism.
- Hormone replacement therapy may reduce the amount of bone loss you suffer with advancing age, as well as providing relief from common symptoms of menopause.
- Visit the dentist for regular checkups twice a year, even if your teeth are in good shape. Early diagnosis and treatment can keep minor problems from becoming worse.
A proper dental care routine along with scheduled visits to the dentist can help keep your teeth and gums healthy all your life. Remember, oral health problems often accompany other diseases and disorders as a symptom or a cause, so don’t take any chances. Visit your dentist for a checkup today!
Original References:
https://www.ariadentalofannapolis.com/oral-problems-only-women-experience
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/hormones-oral-health#1
https://www.cosmeticdentistrycenter.com/health/women-likely-develop-oraldental-health-problems-men/
https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/osteoporosis.html
http://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health-prevention#good-oral-health7