Changes in hormone levels make women more susceptible to oral health problems. This happens at five phases in their lives:
- Adolescence
- the monthly menstrual cycle
- when using oral contraceptives
- during pregnancy, and after menopause.
What is the relationship between hormones and oral health in women?
There are particular hormonal fluctuations that women go through. These make them more sensitive to oral health issues. These hormonal changes have an impact on the blood supply to the gum tissue. It also imparts the body’s response to the toxins (poisons) produced by plaque buildup. As a result of these changes, women are more likely to get periodontal disease. And also, other oral health concerns at different phases of their life.
What are the reasons and symptoms of hormonal changes in women’s oral health?
As mentioned above, Changes in hormone levels make women more susceptible to oral health problems.
- Puberty:
During puberty, the female hormones estrogen and progesterone have a rise in production. This can increase blood flow to the gums and alter how gum tissue reacts to bacterial plaque. Gum tissue becomes red, painful, and swollen as a result of this. It is more liable to bleed when brushing and flossing.
- The monthly menstrual cycle
Some women experience different oral changes during their monthly menstrual cycle. They include;
- bright red swollen gums
- swollen salivary glands
- the development of canker sores
- bleeding gums as a result of hormonal changes.
Particularly the increase in progesterone that occurs during the menstrual cycle. Gingivitis associated with menstruation appears a day or two. This is before the onset of the period and subsides once the period has begun.
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
The body has excessive sensitivity to the toxins created by plaque. This means women who take some oral contraceptives are at risk. They contain progesterone may develop irritated gum tissues. The first few months after starting birth control pills show the most significant changes in the gums. But newer birth control pills have lower hormone concentrations. It reduces the inflammatory response of the gums to dental plaque.
Another reason to tell your dentist if you’re using oral contraceptives is if you’re pregnant. Antibiotics, for example, can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Always tell your dentist about all the medications you’re taking. Remember to tell their names and dosages. When arranging your treatment, he or she will need this information. This is especially if providing medicines is part of your care.
- Hormones and TMJ: Is There a Link?
Synthetic estrogens have a link to lower levels of natural estrogen. This is according to research. Another oral condition affecting the temporomandibular joint has a link to low amounts of natural estrogen (TMJ).
Your jaw and the side of your head are in an attachment to the temporomandibular joint. There are problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding muscles. They control chewing and jaw movement cause temporomandibular disorders.
Because temporomandibular disorders affect more women than men. Researchers hypothesized that the disorder could have a link to hormones. This link between birth control pills, natural estrogen, and TMJ appears to be accurate. This is according to new research. There have been changes in the bones of this joint. Inflammation can also increase the combination of joint compression. This is a result of TMJ disorders and low levels of natural estrogen. This inflammation can lead to osteoarthritis in the joint in some people.
Always tell your dentist about all the medications you’re taking. Include their names and dosages. When arranging your treatment, he or she will need this information. Most especially if providing medicines is part of your care.
- Hormone levels fluctuate during pregnancy.
Increased progesterone levels can make you more susceptible to bacterial plaque-induced gingivitis. This is most visible between the second and eighth months of pregnancy. This condition is pregnancy gingivitis where the gums become swollen and bleed. During your second or early third trimester, your dentist may recommend a few things. Like more frequent professional cleanings to help lower the risk of gingivitis.
- Menopause
Oral alterations can develop as a result of advanced age, disease-fighting medications. And also, as a result of hormonal changes caused by menopause.
- Dry mouth can occur as a result of these changes;
- Alterations in taste
- a burning feeling in the tongue,
- decreased salivary flow
Saliva neutralizes acids created by plaque. But it might not be available to moisten and wash the mouth. Thus, dry mouth can lead to the development of periodontal disease. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications prescribed to older persons might cause dry mouth.
Menopause causes a decrease in estrogen, which puts women at risk for bone loss. And also, osteoporosis, and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth (called periodontitis). Tooth loss can have a link to bone loss, particularly in the jaw. Receding gums can state bone loss in the jawbone, as well as expose more of the tooth surface to decay.
Hormone therapy may help postmenopausal women maintain their oral health. Estrogen therapy helps to prevent bone loss in the skeleton and jawbones. Hormone therapy, it appears, protects postmenopausal women from tooth loss.
What can I do to avoid oral health issues in the future?
- Brush your teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day. At least once a day, floss your teeth.
- For a professional oral checkup and cleaning, see your dentist twice a year.
- Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Sugary and starchy snacks should be avoided.
- If you suffer from dry mouth, talk to your dentist about options for therapy, such as artificial saliva.