Hormones play a vital role in our bodies, and hormonal changes throughout women’s lives can impact oral health. This blog post will describe how women's hormones affect oral health during different life stages and how to keep your mouth healthy during each stage.
While girls are in puberty, the body produces more hormones, stimulating physical transformations, including oral tissue changes. Due to the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, canker sores and red, swollen, or bleeding gums are commonly experienced by pubescent girls. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene through regular brushing, daily flossing, and dental check-ups is the key to avoiding these symptoms.
While most women do not notice any changes to their mouth before their period, it is not uncommon to encounter tender or bleeding gums, canker sores, and swollen salivary glands. The hormonal shifts before and during menstruation can trigger these discomforts, which tend to subside after the period concludes. However, if these symptoms persist after menstruation, it may indicate a different dental concern. Oral hygiene Should be maintained throughout the menstrual cycle, with particular diligence the week before and during menstruation. If gum sensitivity increases during this time, we recommend scheduling your semi-annual dental hygiene cleanings about a week after your period ends.
Modern hormonal contraceptives contain significantly lower levels of estrogen and progesterone than previous versions, making them unlikely to cause gum inflammation, according to the journal Periodontology 2000. Nonetheless, it is essential to inform your dentist if you are currently taking hormonal birth control, as certain medications prescribed for dental conditions may impact the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Additionally, women using oral birth control have an almost two-fold increased risk of experiencing dry socket, an adverse condition after tooth extraction.
It is a common misconception that seeing a dentist while pregnant is unsafe. Dental care during pregnancy is not only entirely safe but also necessary. In fact, nearly 60 to 75% of pregnant women experience an early stage of gum disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis tends to develop in the second to eighth month of gestation. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, tender, and bleeding gums. Thankfully, maintaining diligent daily oral hygiene practices can effectively manage this condition. Additionally, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second and third trimesters to control and prevent its progression.
Menopause brings many changes to a woman’s life and body. The shifts in hormone levels can cause altered taste, burning sensations in the mouth, and increased sensitivity. Moreover, menopause can lead to two major oral concerns:
Dry mouth can be uncomfortable and heighten the risk of cavities, gum disease, oral infections, and bad breath. Increasing water intake, using xylitol lozenges, avoiding tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and spicy, salty, or sugary foods can lessen dry mouth.
During menopause, the decreased amount of estrogen the risk for loss of bone density. Your jawbone firmly anchors your teeth in place. When this bone deteriorates, it can lead to tooth loss. Talk to your dentist and family physician to ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D are in your diet to minimize the risk of bone loss.
Hormonal shifts can significantly affect a woman's oral health. Feel free to ask us during your next exam if you have any questions about how your hormones affect your mouth. We are here to educate you on your oral health and provide personalized tips for maintaining a healthy smile.
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