The stages of a woman’s life are marked by hormone changes. Hormones contour your body, shape your moods and affect your oral health. Because you’re a woman, you’re more susceptible than a man to tooth decay and gum disease.
Raging Hormones—Estrogen and progesterone rush in at puberty. This can increase blood flow to the gums, which then become red, swollen, tender and likely to bleed during brushing.
Monthly Period—Increases in progesterone during menstruation can cause canker sores, bleeding gums and swollen salivary glands. These symptoms begin a day or two before the period begins and clear up within two or three days.
The Pill—Oral contraceptives containing progesterone give a woman another chance for inflamed gums, as her body reacts to the irritants in plaque. Be sure to tell us if you’re taking oral contraceptives.
Expectation—Pregnancy can change hormone levels drastically. Pregnancy gingivitis can strike any time from the second to the eighth month. We may want you to come in for professional cleaning midway through your pregnancy to help keep your gums in shape. Tell us if you are pregnant.
Menopause and Maturity—Everything slows way down—or stops entirely. Again, blame hormonal changes, along with your meds, for changes in how food tastes and how your mouth reacts to hot and cold. Saliva may become a thing of the past, and the decline in estrogen can mean a loss of bone and teeth.Whatever stage you’re in, regular checkups will help you keep your mouth healthy.
