Hormones play a vital role in women’s health and development, including their oral health. However, many women don’t realize the effects that their hormone levels have on their teeth and gums. Hormones not only control blood supply to the gum tissue, but they also help rid the body of toxins that come from plaque buildup. Because oral health is vital to overall health, the dental team at David C. Wood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to explain the correlation between women’s hormone changes and oral care.
Puberty
Puberty causes a woman’s body to undergo drastic hormonal and physical changes. During this phase in life, estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow throughout the entire body, including the blood that supplies nutrients to the gums and teeth. It’s not uncommon for the gum tissue to swell, redden, and even bleed during brushing and flossing. During puberty, women need to pay attention to the changes in their teeth and gums, and stick to a regular brushing schedule to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Monthly Cycles
During the menstrual cycle, the body increases its progesterone levels, and some women experience bright red swollen gums and swollen salivary glands. It’s also not uncommon for some women to have bleeding gums while brushing and flossing, or to develop canker sores for the duration of their cycle. This change in oral health is commonly known as menstruation gingivitis and usually occurs a day or two before the period starts. If you’re experiencing this frequently, talk to your dentist about some possible solutions and other underlying health conditions that could be contributing factors.
Pregnancy
There’s no doubt that a woman’s body undergoes significant change during pregnancy. However, it’s essential that oral health and care not take a back seat. With increased levels of hormones, gum disease frequently occurs in pregnant women and develops any time during the second and eighth months of pregnancy. Your dentist will likely want to see you during your second trimester and early in the third to reduce your chances of developing gingivitis.
Menopause
As women age, so do many of their internal systems, and their bodies prepare for menopause. Some of these changes can be evident in their oral health, as well. It’s not uncommon for some women to experience dry mouth, altered taste, higher sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages, and burning sensations in the mouth. All of these changes can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and a buildup of plaque. With less estrogen in the bloodstream, women are also at a greater risk of losing bone density, including in the jaw bone. This can lead to tooth loss and receding gums.
Contact Us Today
Oral health can have a significant impact on overall health, especially for women. To stay on top of your dental care, let David C. Wood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry be your solution. We proudly provide regular dental care, restorative care, and cosmetic dentistry to residents throughout Carmel, Zionsville, and Fishers, IN. Schedule your appointment online or call us today at (317) 844-0592.