Women account for approximately 75 percent of office visits for periodontal care. Part of the unique challenge for women are hormonal changes and how it directly affects gum tissue and bone health. Many times hormonal changes can cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms. Below are life stage changes in hormone balance and how it may negatively affect your oral health.
Puberty
During puberty, an increase in progesterone and estrogen causes more blood circulation to the gums, which may swell and bleed even though you brush and floss regularly at home. Also, during puberty, gum tissue becomes more sensitive, more tender, and easier to irritate. This increased irritation tends to go away as puberty progresses; however, your dentist can certainly help if symptoms become bothersome at this time.
Menstruation
Days before your monthly cycle, you may notice red, swollen/bleeding gums or a sore inside your cheek (or a canker sore around your mouth). Thanks to a boost in progesterone, which dilates blood vessels and increases inflammation, some women experience gingivitis symptoms just before their periods or at ovulation. The good news is that these symptoms frequently clear up once the period starts.
Oral Contraceptives
Swollen or bleeding gums commonly occur in women taking oral contraceptives. If your symptoms become uncomfortable enough to seek your dentist’s help, be sure to let him or her know specifically what medications you’re taking. Some antibiotics that dentists may prescribe for these symptoms actually decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Pregnancy
A higher level of progesterone can cause exaggerated gingivitis from approximately the second month to the eighth month of pregnancy. Though you take excellent care of your teeth, you may still find that your gums bleed when you brush. For some women, gum tissue becomes so sensitive that an irritant (such as plaque) can make it swell into a large, mostly painless bump (called a pregnancy tumor) that usually goes away within a few months after delivery or can be removed by your dentist if it becomes bothersome.
Whether or not you experience gum sensitivity during your pregnancy, make a dental hygiene visit part of your prenatal care, as periodontal disease has been linked to pre-term birth and low birth weight babies.
Menopause & Post-Menopause
During menopause, you may experience changes in the way things taste, be more sensitive to hot and cold foods, and feel as if your tongue and gums are burning. You may take new medications that cause dry mouth as a side effect. Most importantly, declining levels of estrogen can lead to bone loss (osteoporosis and osteopenia) which includes the bone surrounding your teeth as well. Also, medications taken to prevent bone loss make more frequent cleanings necessary.
Some over-the-counter mouth rinses and toothpastes can actually aggravate these problems and should be avoided. If you are experiencing any of the conditions mentioned, call your dentist and make an appointment. Your dentist can customize solutions that will provide excellent oral health and comfort for your lifetime.
Sources:
Robert Korwin, DMD MICOI MAGD, www.drkorwin.com
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MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton and Coca-Cola. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.