Special Dental Concerns for Women

by | Apr 25, 2017 | Medical

 When it comes to oral health, women have special needs, particularly in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.  A primary factor affecting a woman’s oral health is shifting hormone levels throughout the various stages of life.  According to the California Dental Association, when women become aware of their special oral health needs, they can take steps to alleviate or prevent problems.
Puberty, pregnancy, menopause and lactation are all periods of hormonal fluctuation that cause an increased risk of gum disease.  Drugs, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, can also alter a woman’s hormonal cycle and contribute to the risk of gum disease.  It is especially important for women to maintain good oral hygiene at these times.
During puberty, high levels of progesterone may cause changes in the tiny blood vessels in the gums, causing them to become irritated and possibly causing a higher incidence of inflammation and bleeding.  Monthly hormonal fluctuations can cause some women to suffer from cold sores right before or during menstruation.
Gingivitis may occur more frequently during pregnancy due to a rise in the body’s hormone levels.  These increased hormones exaggerate the way gum tissues react to the irritants in plaque, the sticky layer of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth.  Gums can become red and tender, and may bleed easily.  To prevent this, a pregnant woman should be especially careful about keeping her teeth clean with thorough brushing and flossing.  It would be helpful to have an additional cleaning at the dentist while pregnant.
Vomiting, a frequent side effect of pregnancy, can cause erosion of tooth enamel, the hard-outer layer of the tooth because of the acid content.  In addition, bulimia, an eating disorder in which a person deliberately vomits, is a particular threat to oral health.  Brushing teeth after vomiting is the worst thing to do, because it can actually remove the white, hard protective layer of the teeth.
Women going through menopause may experience dryness or burning sensations in the mouth, or even changes in the way food tastes.  Other oral health conditions during menopause are receding gums and a decrease in the amount of bone to which teeth are attached.  Osteoporosis, a degenerative bone condition, can directly affect the jaw bone, resulting in loose teeth and, eventually, dentures.
Women’s best defense against oral health problems at any age is a good diet combined with faithful brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.  Each woman should work with her own dentist and physician to determine the best health care regimen for her.
Mehran Abbassian, D.D.S., a general dentist in Valencia, is the past President and current member of the San Fernando Valley Dental Society, a component of the California Dental Association.  You can reach his office at 661-259-9100.

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Mehran Abbassian

Mehran Abbassian