Oral Health In Women

By Sheri Salartash, DDS, MAGD, NMD, IBDM, FIAOMT, FAAO, FIAO, FICOI

Dynamic Dental Wellness

. https://dynamicdentalwellness.com/

More Dental Health Articles

Oral Health In Women

Oral health can be defined as the health of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, throat, and the bones around the mouth. Oral health is an important factor in determining overall health, well-being and quality of life. It includes a variety of diseases and conditions that include cavitation, periodontal disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, oral manifestations of HIV infection, oro-dental trauma, and more.

How Do Women’s Hormones Affect Oral Health?

Did you know that a woman’s changing hormone levels at different stages of her life can affect oral health? When hormone levels change, your gums can get swollen and irritated.

Your gums may also bleed, especially during pregnancy, when your body’s immune system is more sensitive than usual. This can lead to inflammation (redness, swelling, and sometimes pain) in the gums. Although, regular, careful brushing and flossing can lessen gum irritation and bleeding.

Other causes of changing hormone levels that may affect oral health in women include:

• Your menstrual cycle – Some women find that their gums swell and bleed before their periods arrive, while others experience cold sores or canker sores. These symptoms usually go away once your period starts.
• Hormonal birth control – Women who take certain birth control pills that contain progesterone, which increases the level of that hormone in the body, may experience inflamed gum tissues due to the body’s exaggerated reaction to the toxins produced from plaque.
• Pregnancy – Studies show many pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis. This is when dental plaque builds up on the teeth and irritates the gums. Prenatal care is especially important during this time.
• Menopause  – Oral health in woman can especially change as you get older. These oral changes can include altered taste, burning sensations in the mouth, more sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, and decreased salivary flow that can result in dry mouth.

How Can Women Prevent Oral Health Problems?

You can help prevent oral health problems by taking the following steps:

• Visit your dentist twice a year or as issues arise
• Choose healthy foods
• Don’t smoke
• Drink less soda

What If I Am Afraid To Go To the Dentist?

Some people avoid the dentist because they are afraid of the physical pain. Talk with your dentist about your concerns and ways to make you more comfortable before and during the exam.

Dentists for Anxious Patients

Dentists can help you relax by playing music, having a TV in the room, or using other relaxation techniques. One of our more innovative relaxation techniques is, Nucalm. NuCalm is 100% safe and effective. This revolutionary process combines a few different relaxation methods including noise cancelling headphones and eye mask to completely calm and relax you during your procedure.