How female hormones affect oral health

Stay on top of your oral health while facing fluctuating hormones.

For millions, dealing with hormones is a fact of life. From raging hormones during puberty to the fluctuations of adulthood and the major changes in menopause, it's important to understand how hormones affect your oral health.

Increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone increases blood to flow to your gums, which leads to irritation and more sensitivity to plaque and bacteria around the gums. This can lead to inflammation, swelling and bleeding of the gums. Left untreated, inflammation in the gums can eventually lead to tooth loss.

You should know that gum disease is preventable and, when caught early, reversible. Taking action starts with good daily hygiene, including brushing at least twice per day and flossing once.

Puberty

During puberty, hormones can leave a teenage girl's gums red, swollen and bleeding. The gums' sensitivity to plaque can sometimes cause them to become inflamed and grow bigger. Canker sores may also develop. These symptoms typically go away with good home care and time.

Your cycle

With a period on the horizon, most don't notice a difference in their mouths, but swollen or bleeding gums, canker sores or swollen salivary glands may be caused by hormones. Generally, these symptoms go away after the end of your period. However, be sure to talk to your dentist if these symptoms continue.

Stay on top of your daily dental health routine and, if you find you have more sensitivity than usual before or during your period, schedule cleanings for about a week after it ends.

Birth control and medical history

Take time to ensure your dentist is updated on your health history, especially as it relates to birth control. If your dentist writes you a prescription, they will need to know because some medications can make your birth control less effective.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an especially delicate time for your oral health. Hormones can make some pregnant individuals more vulnerable to developing pregnancy gingivitis. Symptoms include red, tender and sore gums. It is most common between months 2 and 8 of pregnancy. Your best bet to prevent pregnancy gingivitis is by maintaining good daily habits, including brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once per day.

Be sure to visit your dentist during pregnancy. In fact, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second and early third trimester to help control gingivitis. If you notice any other changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist.

Menopause

Menopause presents a huge hormonal shift. When it comes to oral health, this shift can include a wide variety of unpleasant symptoms, including changes in taste, burning sensations and increased sensitivity.

During this time, you should pay close attention to any symptoms of dry mouth or bone loss you may experience. Your mouth produces saliva which is essential to cleansing the teeth of food and washes away cavity-causing bacteria. But with dry mouth, saliva production is limited. This lack of saliva exposes you to cavities and tooth decay.

If you have dry mouth, it's important to talk to your dentist. To help minimize it, try drinking more water, sucking (not chewing!) on ice chips or using an over-the-counter dry mouth spray. Additionally, your dentist may recommend a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste to reduce your risk of tooth decay.

Eating right will also go a long way toward alleviating dry mouth symptoms. Foods that are salty, spicy, sticky and sugary should be avoided. Consuming alcohol and tobacco products also make symptoms worse. Additionally, using a humidifier while you sleep may help.

Menopause means there is a decrease in estrogen, leaving you at risk for losing bone density. Losing bone in your jaw can lead to tooth loss. One common sign of bone loss in your jaw is receding gums. This exposes the root surfaces of your teeth and may increase your risk for decay. Combined with dry mouth, decreased bone density can present serious issues. Speak with your dentist about what you can do to prevent problems from happening.

mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/womens-hormones-and-dental-health