Sunrise Dental Newsletter:

Dental Health and Women

It may be surprising to hear that women have a need for extra dental care during certain times in their lives. It is important to practice good dental hygiene to avoid complications like gingivitis, periodontal disease and osteoporosis. Such times that require extra care include:

1. Puberty
2. Menstruation
3. Use of birth control
4. Pregnancy
5. Menopause

Women are more at risk for dental health problems during stages which their hormones fluctuate greatly. This is because hormones affect the gum tissue’s blood supply and the body’s response to toxins that come from plaque build up. Therefore women should take extra care when brushing and flossing during these times, and make sure they get regular attention from their dentist.

Puberty

During puberty, a woman produces estrogen and progesterone very rapidly, causing an increase in blood flow to the gums. This can cause the gums to bleed, swell, turn red, and become quite tender, which in turn makes brushing and flossing uncomfortable. Take extra care during these times, and use a soft, gentle toothbrush. Ask your dentist if irritation becomes unusual.

Menstruation

Some women may experience what is called “menstruation gingivitis” a day or two before their period starts. Symptoms include swollen bright red gums, swelling of the salivary glands, bleeding gums, and even the development of canker sores. These symptoms are caused by the surge of progesterone and usually clear up after the woman’s period has begun.

Birth Control

Women should always tell their dentist if they are taking birth control pills because of the extra hormones most contain. An increased level of progesterone can cause inflammation of the gums because the body is hyper-sensitive to the toxins produced from plaque. Make sure you follow a regular brushing and flossing routine and see your dental hygienist to minimize plaque build-up.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy (particularly between the second and eighth months), some women may experience gum disease due to the increased level of progesterone. This condition is known as “pregnancy gingivitis”.  Pregnancy tumors are also a dental risk women may encounter. They are benign growths that form out of swollen gums, and usually go away on their own, but if they interfere with eating or hygiene they should be surgically removed. Pregnant women should also be aware of the risks of periodontal disease as it may lead to pre-term or low- birthweight babies. You should alert your dentist if you are pregnant, as he or she may want to see you for more frequent cleanings to help reduce the chances of developing gingivitis and periodontitis.

Menopause

Menopause causes hormonal changes to a woman’s body that come with many consequences to your oral health. Decreased salivary flow can cause dry mouth that may, in turn, cause tooth decay. Other changes a woman may notice are a change in taste, hyper-sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, and burning sensations in the mouth. Because women experience a decline in the hormone estrogen during menopause, they become much more likely to develop bone loss, which can occur in the jawbone, leading to tooth decay. Your dentist or doctor can advise you of steps you can take to help prevent these symptoms from developing.

Osteoporosis

One of the biggest concerns about women’s dental health is osteoporosis. This bone disorder affects 28 million Americans and can increase the risk factors for bone loss, periodontal disease and tooth loss. Dental x-rays may help in detecting the first signs of osteoporosis. These x-rays can show the amount of jawbone loss over the years, which can signal to the dentist the development of the disease.  The following are the early warning signs of osteoporosis:

1. More severe gum disease
2. Bone loss around teeth
3. Ill-fitting dentures that lead to mouth sores
4. Dentures becoming loose
5. Tooth loss
6. Ill-fitting dentures that make it difficult to talk or eat

Remember…

To help prevent the development of oral problems during the hormonal changes your body goes through, take the following precautions:

1.       Consume at least 1,200 mg of calcium with vitamin D each day.

2.       Maintain a diet of dairy sources such as calcium fortified food, almonds and broccoli.

3.       See your dentist for regular check-ups.

4.       Tell your dentist if you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or taking birth control.

5.       Brush and floss regularly (twice a day at least).

And of course, always remember to SMILE!

Sunrise Dental © 2008