Hormonal changes in women and its impact on their oral health
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
Women undergo significant and unique hormone changes in each stage of their life. The hormonal changes in women of all age groups cause serious effects. For instance, weight loss/gain, fatigue, puffy face and various atypical symptoms occurring in body for no obvious reason might be due to hormonal changes.The changes in hormone production will affect the teeth, gums and other aspects of a woman’s oral health.
To put it simply, the frequent changes of hormones make a woman susceptible to dental health problems.
How do the hormonal changes in women affect their oral health?
Changes in female hormones, especially Estrogen and Progestogen, increase the blood flow to the gum tissues. This elevated blood supply makes the gums sensitive and more susceptible to bacterial attacks.
Likewise, the hormone changes alter the body’s response to the toxic substances. Thus the teeth and gums cannot fight effectively against the invasion of microbes and plaque developed around the gum region.
Gingivitis is an initial stage of gum disease and causes red, swollen spots in the gums. Generally, women usually notice such reddish gums. It should be treated in a timely manner. Otherwise, it progresses to an advanced stage called ‘Periodontitis‘.
Common causes of hormone changes that affect women’s dental health
Research shows that the surge of hormones in the following stages of a woman’s life makes her suffer from various oral problems.
1) Puberty
Puberty occurring in a girl’s teen years increases the production of sex hormones. Researches show that these hormones make the gums overreact to the bacteria and other factors. This inflames the gums and can lead to bleeding.
Prevention Tip:
Plaque formed over the gum surfaces takes advantage of the increaed hormones and this increases the risk of gingivitis. Indulge in activities to prevent plaque build-up. The prime activities to mention: brush twice a day and floss your teeth.
2) Monthly Menstruation Cycle (Periods)
The level of progestogen decreases while discarding the build-up of lining in the womb during the menstruation cycle. It can lead to sensitive and swollen gums, inflamed salivary glands, bleeding gums and canker sores. These problems lessen or disappear afterthe monthly menstruation cycle.
Note: If bleeding in gums persists after the periods, it may be a symptom of other oral diseases. A dental consultation is mandatory for this.
3) Pregnancy
Both the estrogen and progestogen levels increase steadily in the first trimester. During this time, the hormone changes help form blood vessels to transfer nutrients for baby development. Meanwhile, it impacts the gum tissues quite adversely.
It is inevitable to suffer from gum problems during pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis is common between the second and eighth months of pregnancy.
That is why dentists , doctors and midwives advise every pregnant woman to be diligent on oral health during the trimester.
4) Birth Control Pills
Researchers have shown that the immune system of women who are taking artificial steroids and birth control pills become weak and make them more prone to oral health problems with hormone changes.
The synthetic estrogens and progestogens present in the pills provoke dental disorders like gum diseases, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) and much more.
Intake of synthetic estrogen through birth control pills reduces the natural estrogen present in the body. The shortfall of natural estrogens affects the Temporomandibular Joint. This can cause immense pain in the jaw bone, joints and the surrounding tissues.
5) Menopause
Menopause brings a huge change in a woman’s body, and this stage of life can persist for several years. The ovaries produce a decreasing amount of hormones due to aging.
The decreased level of estrogen during menopause is the main reason behind the oral problems a woman undergoes in this time of her life. Dry gums, dry mouth, atypical taste in the mouth, burning sensation are all common oral problems that arise in this period.
Moreover, reduced estrogens reduces the density of bones in the body. When the jaw bone becomes weak, then the teeth can lose their support and may eventually fall. You can identify the weakening of jaw bone through receding gums. When the gums recede, a tooth’s roots are exposed and this makes the teeth sensitive to temperature variations.
Bottom line
Whether it is puberty, pregnancy or menopause, changes in a woman’s body lead to elevated or decreased hormone levels, and these leave the oral regions vulnerable to infection. To reduce the likelihood of problems, ensure you have an efficient dental hygiene routine, adjust your diet, have regular appointments with a dental hygienist and get bi-annual dental check-ups.
Following the advice and guidelines of a dental specialist will help every woman to avoid oral diseases provoked by hormonal changes.
