It is common knowledge that men and women have different health needs, from basic nutrition to common ailments. Did you know that gender also plays a role in dental health?
Women experience many changes in their overall health based on hormonal levels within the body during different periods of their life. It should not come as a surprise, then, that even dental health is affected by hormone fluctuations. Here are some common changes/issues to be aware of:
Puberty-During puberty, fluctuations in hormones can make a woman more vulnerable to gingivitis. Gums may become sore and/or bleed.
Menstruation-the menstrual cycle can trigger canker and cold sore development, and some women experience a recurrence with every cycle.
Pregnancy-Pregnancy is also a period when women become vulnerable to gingivitis. In fact, it is the most common oral condition associated with being pregnant. The problem is exacerbated if an expecting mother avoids dental check-ups during pregnancy. Dental infections are attributed for up to 5% of low-birth-weight and pre-term babies. This is a startling, and disturbing correlation.
Dry mouth is another common complaint of the expectant mother. Sipping water and chewing sugarless gum can help alleviate this problem. A greater concern is morning sickness. The stomach acids that constantly churn due to this condition can permanently damage tooth enamel. Mothers who experience morning sickness need to increase their brushing more than twice a day.
Birth Control- Oral contraceptives can cause gum tissue changes. This can cause complications such as healing problems and dry socket after tooth extractions.
Menopause- There is a myriad of changes during menopause. From the dental perspective, women experience changes that range from oral burning sensations and pain, to changes in taste and dry mouth. After menopause, women are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, which may increase the chance of tooth loss.
It’s important to maintain good dental hygiene and visit your dentist at least twice a year, through all of the changes of life. Hormonal changes are a fact of life, and developing a consistent dental hygiene regimen and a relationship with your family dentist can help you avoid many of the dental issues faced specifically by women. Preston Dental Center is a family-oriented practice, run by a husband-and-wife team. Finding a doctor who makes you feel comfortable and supports you through these life changes is essential. You need to be able to discuss and address these issues, and how they affect your health, with someone who understands and caress. Drs. Lisa and Greg Mayes are dedicated to a friendly, supportive dental practice that makes your family feel at home, and can care for your health through all the phases of life.
