Women have increased over the last decades their concern for oral health due to the hormonal changes that only they experience. These fluctuations in hormones not only affect blood supply to the periodontal tissues, they also do so in the body's response to the toxins proper to dental plaque. Because of these changes, women are more likely to develop periodontal disease in some phases of their lives, as well as other oral health problems.
Women have increased over the last decades their concern for oral health due to the hormonal changes that only they experience. These fluctuations in hormones not only affect blood supply to the periodontal tissues, they also do so in the body's response to the toxins proper to dental plaque. Because of these changes, women are more likely to develop periodontal disease in some phases of their lives, as well as other oral health problems.
There are 5 moments in a woman's life where changes in hormone levels can make them more susceptible to oral health problems:
- Puberty: The surge in production of female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that occurs during puberty can increase blood flow to the gums and change the way the periodontal tissues react to dental plaque. This causes the gingival tissue to become red, swollen, and more prone to bleeding during brushing or flossing.
- During the menstrual cycle: Due to hormonal changes (particularly increased progesterone), some women experience oral changes that may include red, shiny and swollen gums, swelling of the salivary glands, development of sores or bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis because of menstruation usually occurs one or two days before the menstrual cycle begins and leaves before it finishes.
- When taking oral contraceptives: Women taking progesterone-containing birth control pills may experience the same consequences discussed above, especially during the first few months.
This is a reason enough to tell your dentist that you are taking this medication. In addition, certain medications that may be prescribed by the dentist can see their effect diminished if you are taking contraceptives.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes are very significant during pregnancy. The increase in progesterone can make women especially vulnerable to dental plaque from the second to eighth month. It is for this reason that your dentist can recommend you receive frequent dental cleaning during this time to try to avoid pregnancy gingivitis.
- Menopause: Menopause usually coincides with a time in life when increased consumption of medicines can also cause certain oral problems. These include altered taste, a burning sensation in the mouth, increased sensitivity to drinks and hot and cold foods, as well as a reduction in saliva.
In addition, the reduction of estrogen that occurs during menopause also increases the risk of women suffering from bone loss or osteoporosis as well as inflammation of the periodontal tissues. Loss of bone, especially in the jaw, can cause the teeth to fall.
Hormone therapy can prevent these problems in menopausal women and thus preserve the bone tissue that serves to properly hold the teeth.
What can I do to prevent the development of periodontal disease?
Following these steps will help you avoid the development of gum disease:
- Brush your teeth two or three times a day with fluoride-containing paste and floss daily.
- Visit your dentist twice a year to receive an oral checkup and professional cleaning.
- Follow a healthy and balanced diet.
- Avoid overly sugary or starchy foods.
- Ask your dentist if you should use an oral rinse.
- If you have dry mouth, ask your dentist how you can treat this problem.
Articles presented by the Federación Odontológica Colombiana & Colgate.
Bibliography:
National Women's Health Resource Center, February 2000.
2The American Academy of Periodontology, June 5, 2000.
3The American Academy of Periodontology, January 17, 2001.
4The American Academy of Periodontology, May 15, 2000.
