A recent study out of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry has found that a woman’s fluctuating hormones throughout her life can have a considerable impact on her dental health. Let’s explore the findings of this study in detail, including what they mean for your overall health and approach to oral care.
Tracking Changes Over Time
A woman’s hormones fluctuate throughout her life, from periods of high intensity during puberty to the eventual drop-off of menopause. These hormonal changes, in turn, affect every part of her body, including the mouth and structures of the oral cavity. In particular, changes in both estrogen and progesterone affect bone density, saliva production, and even gum sensitivity.
Puberty
The first change begins during puberty, when increased blood flow to the gums causes them to become more sensitive as well as more prone to swelling and bleeding. Proper oral hygiene is critical during this period of change, as swelling can lead to gingivitis, which can in turn lead to gum disease and tooth decay. These risks are compounded by the fact that teenagers often have high-sugar diets and are not the most careful when it comes to brushing and flossing.
Early Adulthood and Pregnancy
Like young women going through puberty, women on hormonal birth control and those who are pregnant have heightened levels of estrogen and progesterone that make them more prone to gingivitis. As many as three-quarters of pregnant women suffer from gingivitis. As such, any women who fall in these categories should be particularly careful about brushing and flossing and should make time to see their dentists regularly, especially in the second trimester.
Menopause and Beyond
A woman experiences menopause when she goes 12 months without having her period. This indicates a reduction in the body’s production of sex hormones and an attendant decrease in bone density, causing receding gums and loosened teeth. Saliva production also declines, which can worsen tooth decay and make the mouth more prone to bacterial infections. Decreased saliva production can also result in a burning sensation in the gums.
Oral health care becomes more crucial than ever during menopause and beyond, as these issues should be addressed proactively to keep teeth and gums healthy for as long as possible.
Putting It All Together
The study ultimately confirms something that dentists have long known: that regular and proactive oral health care is important at every stage of life. Whether you’re a young adult, an expectant mother, someone caring for children of your own, or a mature adult, regular dental appointments are crucial to long-term well-being.
Contact Babylon Dental Care for Your Next Appointment
At Babylon Dental Care, we’re proud to serve the women of our Long Island community from our offices at the Great South Bay shopping center in West Babylon and the Gateway Plaza shopping center in Patchogue! We’d love to see you and your loved ones at either of our conveniently located clinics and to treat you like family. Contact us to schedule your next appointment, and let us put you on the path to a lifetime of dental health.
