Over the course of their lives women go through many changes linked to rising or falling levels of circulating hormones: in puberty, during the menstrual cycle, in pregnancy and at menopause. These changes affect not only the blood supply to the gums but also the body’s response to the toxins produced by plaque. As a result, women are more prone to developing oral health problems.
At certain times of life, closer attention to hygiene and prevention is needed. Rising hormone levels during puberty, for example, can change the pH and consistency of saliva, which becomes stickier, making it easier for bacteria to cling to the tooth surface and encouraging the build-up of plaque and the development of gum infections. In addition, some medicines, such as contraceptives or drugs for osteoporosis, can interfere with oral health. In most cases these problems are easy to resolve, provided you do not neglect your oral hygiene or underestimate certain symptoms. Let’s look in more detail at the different stages of a woman’s life and the oral problems associated with them.
Puberty
The sudden increase in oestrogen and progesterone production on reaching puberty puts all of a young girl’s bodily functions to the test, including the way her gums react to plaque. This causes the gums to become inflamed: they can swell and even bleed during brushing and flossing. The picture can be made worse by poor dental hygiene, a problem that is often common among young people.
Menstrual cycle
In the days before a period, the gums may become swollen and bleed, or the lining of the mouth may become red. Around and during ovulation, in fact, progesterone levels rise, changing the permeability of the blood vessel walls and increasing the flow of fluid in the gingival sulcus.
Childbearing years and pregnancy
Inflamed gums are one of the most frequent side effects of hormonal contraceptives, because of the increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body. During pregnancy, on the other hand, the likelihood of dental erosion, that is, the loss of tooth enamel, increases. This happens mainly in the first trimester, when morning sickness is most likely. Morning sickness that makes expectant mothers vomit brings acid up from the stomach, and during vomiting this acid comes into contact with the teeth and erodes their enamel (the hard, protective outer layer of the teeth). Heartburn, another common discomfort of pregnancy, also contributes to enamel erosion because of the acid reflux rising from the stomach into the throat and mouth.
Menopause
Menopause can be considered one of the biggest changes in a woman’s body and life. Some menopausal symptoms include dysgeusia (altered taste), burning sensations in the mouth (burning mouth syndrome), and reduced saliva flow leading to dry mouth and increased sensitivity. Dry mouth can lead to gum disease because there is less saliva to moisten and clean the mouth and to neutralise the acids produced by plaque. The fall in oestrogen during menopause can also reduce bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. One of the signs of bone loss in the jaw is “receding” gums. When the gums “pull back”, the teeth become susceptible to root caries.
In all these cases, don’t delay: see your trusted dentist to agree on a strategy and prevent future damage.
Credits: photo by Patrick Jansen on Unsplash
