Pay Close Attention to Women’s Oral Health

Men and women are different, very different, but did you know that men and women also differ when it comes to teeth and gums?

According to your dentist in Corona, women experience hormonal changes throughout life that will affect teeth and gums.

Puberty and Women's Oral Health

When tweens and teenage girls begin puberty, gums will bleed, swell, and get red. In some girls, an overreaction to bacteria and plaque will cause enlarged gums. Girls who are coming of age also suffer from mouth and canker sores. Regular dental visits with your Corona dentist will help prevent gingivitis, and the more serious periodontal disease.

 Menstruation and Women’s Oral Health

During the menstrual cycle, most women won’t detect any mouth changes a couple of days before their period. However, women who have cancer sores, bleeding or swollen gums, and puffy salivary glands need to pay attention as if these continue after a period; it could be a sign of something more serious.

Women’s Oral Health and Pregnancy

When a woman is expecting, hormones go crazy. While some women experience mild forms of gum disease, others may suffer from pregnancy gingivitis. Although not as severe as periodontitis, if left untreated pregnancy gingivitis, could cause complications. Your Corona dentist recommends more frequent dental checkups if you are pregnant.

Menopause Affects More Than Your Waistline

When women have progressed to menopause, extreme changes take place in the body and in the mouth. Women who are in menopause experience mouth sensitivity along with burning sensations. Of course, all of these symptoms are related to menopause. Another thing to consider is that women may also suffer from bone loss and dry mouth as well.

Dry mouth causes a decrease in saliva flow putting you at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

Women’s oral health is important. Call and schedule a dental appointment with your dentist in Corona today.

Womens Oral Health Issues

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.