Women’s Oral Health
Women’s oral health issues are distinct. Your chance of developing issues with your mouth, teeth, or gums can increase due to fluctuations in hormone levels during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Diabetes and Oral Health
Diabetes is one health condition that might have an impact on your oral health. Frequent dental checkups, flossing, and brushing can help shield your mouth and body from illness.
Hormones and Oral Health
Oral health can be impacted by fluctuations in a woman’s hormone levels at different phases of life. Changes in hormone levels can cause inflammation and swelling in your gums. Additionally, during pregnancy, when your body’s immune system is more sensitive than usual, your gums may bleed. This may result in gum inflammation, which includes redness, swelling, and even discomfort. Gum inflammation and bleeding can be reduced by thorough, regular brushing and flossing.
Menstrual Cycle and Oral Health
Hormone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. Gum swelling can be brought on by elevated progesterone levels during ovulation and in the days leading up to your menstruation. Some women may have more frequent bleeding and stained gums. Canker sores may also occur more frequently when you are menstruating. Small ulcers with a red border and a white or gray base are known as canker sores.
Menopause and Oral Health
After menopause, extremely low amounts of the hormone estrogen can have an impact on your oral health. After menopause, your mouth produces less saliva, due to the decreased estrogen levels. Tooth decay, cavities, ulcers, sore and sensitive gums, and infections can all be brought on by dry mouth. As a result of osteoporosis, bones weaken and fracture more frequently. Every woman is more susceptible to osteoporosis if her estrogen levels are extremely low after menopause. Gum disease can progress more quickly if you have osteoporosis, which weakens your bones. You run the risk of losing your teeth if you lose jawbon
Pregnancy and Oral Health
Additionally, hormone levels fluctuate during pregnancy. This increases the possibility of various oral health issues: Severe periodontitis, or gum disease. In as many as two out of every five pregnant women, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can exacerbate gum disease or result in severe gum disease. An infection of the tissues holding your teeth in place is called periodontitis. It is typically brought on by neglecting to brush and floss, or by brushing and flossing in a way that permits plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to accumulate and solidify on the teeth. In addition to uncomfortable biting and bleeding gums, periodontitis can result in tooth loss. Women who smoke and those who do not receive routine dental care are at higher risk of developing periodontitis.
Erosion of the dental enamel may increase during pregnancy. The stomach acid that is released during vomiting can damage tooth enamel, which is the firm, protective layer that covers your teeth, if you suffer morning sickness that results in vomiting. In addition to being a common pregnant symptom, heartburn can gradually erode your tooth enamel if stomach acid is getting into your mouth and throat.
