Women’s Oral Health should be emphasized when
it comes to overall well-being as women have hormonal changes that can affect
gum health.
During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause,
women’s hormones fluctuate dramatically and according to your dentist can cause
gum disease and other issues including dry mouth.
Puberty
When a woman’s progesterone and even estrogen
levels increase, the sex hormones cause a woman’s blood circulation to increase
to the gums. The gums may become more sensitive, which could lead to a reaction
to any type of irritation including food debris and plaque. During puberty gums
could become swollen, feel tender and appear red.
Menstruation
Menstruation gingivitis is a condition that
some women have right before a period begins. Once it has started, the
menstruation gingivitis usually clears up. If you are having this occur more
often, and not when you are menstruation, contact your dentist, as your gum
disease could be recurring.
Pregnancy
If you are expecting a baby, you are more susceptible
to gum disease from the second or third month through to the eighth month. The
severity of symptoms may increase with bleeding, swelling, and redness. If left
untreated gum disease in pregnant women could cause low birth weights and
premature births.
Menopause and Post Menopause
Menopausal or post-menopausal women can
experience mouth changes that include mouth discomfort, pain, and burning in
the gum tissue, dry mouth or an altered taste, which could be sour, peppery, or
salty. Known as menopausal gingivostomatitis it can make a woman’s gums appear
shiny or dry and make them bleed more easily. Ask your doctor about estrogen supplements
that can help relieve the symptoms.
Bone loss is also associated with menopause
and post menopause. Increase your intake of sodium rich foods such as cheese
and yogurt, which can also help your teeth. Calcium supplements may also be
recommended for severe bone loss issues.
If you would like more information regarding
Women’s Oral Health, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.
