During a woman’s life, hormonal activities and changes can significantly impact her overall health. From puberty to menopause, hormones fluctuate due to various reasons, such as pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and polycystic ovary syndrome. These hormonal changes can contribute to gum disease, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream and potentially exacerbate health issues like bone loss, fetal death, and pre-term births.
A comprehensive review of women’s health studies by Charlene Krejci, associate clinical professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, has shown this link between women’s health issues and gum disease.
Hormones, Gum Disease, and Women’s Health
There is a significant gender-specific connection between women’s hormones, gum disease, and various health concerns affecting women. Hormonal changes during a woman’s life can cause her gums to become more sensitive, which may lead to increased bleeding and inflammation, increasing the risk of gum disease 1.
“Although women tend to take better care of their oral health than men, the main message is women need to be even more vigilant about maintaining healthy teeth and gums to prevent or lessen the severity of some women-specific health issues,” says Krejci.
Gum Disease Prevention Tips
Good oral hygiene is crucial for everyone, but women need to be especially mindful of their dental health. Here are some essential gum disease prevention tips:
- Regular brushing and flossing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline.
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Mouthwash: Using an antiseptic mouthwash daily can help kill bacteria that cause gum disease.
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Tobacco and Alcohol: Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco, and excessive alcohol consumption, as these habits can weaken your immune system and make it difficult for your body to fight off infection.
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Nutrition: Eating a well-balanced diet ensures that you’re getting all the necessary nutrients to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
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Regular dental check-ups: Schedule dental visits at least every six months or more, if there are any gum problems or women suffer from bone loss. Dental visits for pregnant women were once discouraged. However, visits to remove plaque that may lead to gum disease are now recommended.
Gum Disease and Pregnancy
It is essential for pregnant women to maintain good oral health, as gum disease can potentially increase the risk of pre-term labor and low birth weight infants 2. Pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to have a baby born too early or too small than those without it. Furthermore, research has shown that treating gum disease during pregnancy has been proven to reduce the risk of preterm birth.
Gum Disease and Menopause
During menopause, hormonal changes can affect a woman’s oral health. Women going through menopause may experience dry mouth, a burning sensation in the oral cavity, and altered taste 3. Dry mouth is associated with an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay, as saliva helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and fight bacteria. It’s vital for women going through menopause to maintain proper oral hygiene, drink plenty of water, and visit their dentist regularly.
Conclusion
Given the strong connection between hormones, gum disease, and women’s health issues, it is crucial for women to be vigilant about maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene habits, and being aware of hormonal changes and their impact on oral health can help prevent gum disease, ultimately safeguarding against potential complications in overall health.
