We women rarely discuss the health of our teeth and gums in the context of hormones, but we need to. Those frequent fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone put us at a higher risk for cavities and gum disease. One more thing, right?
There is no magic pill, unfortunately. But by paying extra attention to our daily routines and habits, we can minimize oral health problems and keep a healthy smile no matter the time of the month or the stage of life.
Take 5
Five situations in our lives make us more susceptible to oral health problems due to hormonal fluctuations:
1. Puberty: The surge of production of estrogen and progesterone stimulates the blood flow to the gums. As a result, they may become red or purple, tender and inflamed and prone to bleeding during flossing and brushing. The condition is called gingivitis. It worsens if there is excessive plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, food and debris that breaks down the teeth’s protective tooth enamel.
Although gingivitis is easily reversible with proper oral hygiene and treatment, it poses a recurring risk to our oral health, especially when we reach other milestones in life.
If you have teenage daughters who may be looking for their first job, teach them now to take extra care of their oral hygiene to make the best impression at work and school.
2. Menstrual cycle: Have you ever noticed swollen, tender gums starting in the third week of your 28-day cycle and lasting through the first couple of days of your period? Hello, menstruation gingivitis. You may also develop canker sores or increased sensitivity of teeth and gums. That’s because our bestie progesterone is at work again. As her levels rev up, so does the blood flow to our gums.
3. Oral contraceptives: Many birth control pills contain progesterone. By now, you have gotten the message: More progesterone pumps more blood to your gums, causing plaque build-up, sensitivity and inflammation.
4. Pregnancy: Creating a new life comes with privileges and a new set of oral health challenges. Progesterone is in full swing again to give us — wait for it — pregnancy gingivitis. The symptoms are like menstruation gingivitis, except this one lasts nine months. You know where this is going: increased risk of cavities, bleeding and bad breath. Plus, cravings for sugary or starchy foods that create more plaque aren’t helping.
And there’s more. You may also get pregnancy tumors in your mouth. These benign growths, often the result of the just-mentioned plaque build-up, may require surgical removal. And then there’s the frequent vomiting with morning sickness that bathes your teeth in cavity-causing acids.
The takeaway: Be meticulous about daily brushing and flossing. Tell your dentist you’re pregnant. Make appointments for additional dental cleanings and examinations. Schedule all dental work necessary to treat infections or decay to be performed during your fourth through the sixth month to avoid potential complications from anesthesia, medications or extensive procedures during the last trimester. Postpone elective procedures until after baby’s birth.
One more reason to say “ahhh” when expecting: Early research points toward a link between periodontal (advanced gum) disease and the risk for preterm, low-weight babies, although the findings aren’t conclusive yet. So, for your baby’s sake as well as your own, take good care of your teeth and gums and go see your dentist.
5. Menopause: You’d think we’d get a break here, but no. Our now-decreasing hormone levels, especially estrogen, put us at greater risk for loss of bone density. A weakened jaw bone could mean loss of teeth. Age and medications we might take to offset menopausal symptoms and other conditions can result in altered taste, burning sensations in the mouth, increased sensitivity to cold and cold foods and drinks and dry mouth, which, in turn, makes us more susceptible to gum disease and cavities.
Don’t just grin and bear it.
Now that you have the low-down on hormones and your mouth, here’s the upside: A lifetime of healthy living and healthy oral habits will carry you through these hormonal swings with a smile on your face. Follow these tips:
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Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste. Don’t forget your tongue.
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Floss and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day.
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Drink plenty of fluoridated tap water.
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Eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables rich in fiber and vitamins.
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Limit sugary or starchy snacks and sodas. Enjoy the occasional treat all in one sitting and rinse your mouth afterward with water.
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Schedule semi-annual visits with your dentist for professional cleanings and oral examinations. Preventive care visits are not luxury, but a necessity to check your oral health and nip developing issues in the bud.
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Always, keep smiling!
Claudia Utley is a public relations and social media strategist at Delta Dental of Arkansas. Since 1982, Delta Dental of Arkansas has served its members with an uncompromised mission: to advance the public’s oral health by offering quality dental benefits and superior service to all customers at an affordable cost. Delta Dental of Arkansas also supports more than $1 million annually to programs designed to improve oral health in Arkansas through dental education, prevention and treatment.
