Oral Health Problems in Women

Women are more apt to have oral health problems than men thanks to the hormonal changes that occur during puberty, menstruation, birth control use, menopause, and post menopause.

Hormones not only affect the blood supply in your gum tissue, but according to the American Dental Association can also be responsible for an increase in toxins and plaque buildup. Because of hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life gingivitis and periodontal disease is more likely to develop.

When puberty begins, the production progesterone and estrogen will increase the supply of blood to the gums. This changes the way your gum tissue will react to bacteria and plaque. During puberty, gums will most likely bleed while brushing and flossing and become tender, red, and swollen.

During menstruation, your progesterone will increase causing oral changes in some women that can include swollen salivary glands, bright red and swollen gums, bleeding gums, and canker sores. Some women can also develop menstruation gingivitis a day or so before the beginning of a period. This will usually clear up shortly after menstruation has begun.

If you take birth control pills with progesterone, the hormone levels in your body will increase causing enflamed gum tissue. This occurs because of your body’s reaction to the toxins and bacteria that is produced from plaque. Make sure that you tell your dentist if you are taking oral contraceptives.

During puberty, you will have an increased level of progesterone and estrogen. The development of sex hormones can cause an increase of blood circulation to your gums. This may result in gum sensitivity increasing your chances of gum irritation from plaque and food particles. During puberty, your gums may feel tender, turn red or become swollen.

If you become pregnant, your hormone levels will alter considerably. Again, an increased level of progesterone, along with other hormonal changes can make you more susceptible to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Known as pregnancy gingivitis, it can occur from the second to the eighth month of pregnancy. If you are expected, it is recommended that you schedule additional professional cleanings with your dentist during the second or early third trimester of your pregnancy in order to help reduce your chances of gum disease.

If you are going through menopause or post menopause, you may experience mouth discomfort. These mouth changes may also include pain and burning in your gum tissue and dry mouth. Menopause and post menopause can also alter the taste in your mouth making things taste especially sour, peppery, or salty.

For more information regarding women’s oral health, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

What you should know about Pulp Disease

Although a number of things, including a broken tooth or an injury to your mouth, can cause pulp disease, the American Dental Association explains that pulp disease is usually a result of poor oral hygiene.

Brushing twice and flossing once each day along with a healthy diet and regular checkups with your dentist can help prevent pulp disease. If you have dental caries, it can affect the pulp in the soft center of your tooth or teeth. Your pulp is loaded with blood vessels, nerves and delicate tissue, that when disturbed, could become diseased. Head to your dentist as quickly as possible, as those cavities could lead to missing teeth.

Your dentist explains that there are several different types of pulp disease.

Reversible pulpitis is a mild inflammation in the center of your tooth. Symptoms usually include pain when you eat or drink, or when your teeth are exposed to hot, cold or something sweet. Without treatment, your pulpitis could cause an abscess, which is a collection of pus and bacteria. Improve your oral health habits to help offset reversible pulptitis and see your dentist as quickly as possible as you may need a dental filling if you break or crack a tooth.

Irreversible pulpitis is actually an inflammation so severe in the center of your tooth that there is no cure. In other words, you may need root canal therapy. If your root canal doesn’t help, your dentist may have to extract your tooth.

Dental pulp stones also known as dental pulp calcification are a condition that hardens your pulp tissue causing extreme pain and hypersensitivity. If you have dental pulp stones, your dental nerves are becoming compressed. Root canals are usually the only answer when it comes to dental stones as the hardened tissue is cleared away during the root canal treatment.

One of the most painful pulp diseases occurs when the pulp in your teeth become exposed. Dental pulp exposure is a condition that occurs when there has been damage done to the enamel or external covering of your tooth. If you have a crack or cavity in your tooth, your pulp becomes exposed making it easy for food particles and bacteria to make their way into the center of your tooth. Pain is usually the first and most noticeable symptom. You may also have a mild infection that if left untreated, could result in a serious abscess. Depending on how exposed your pulp is, a root canal may help, otherwise you may need to have your tooth pulled.

If you are experiencing sensitivity, sudden or intense pain in your mouth, or have an infection, you could be suffering from pulp disease. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today for more information.