It’s safe to say that men and women are unique in practically every way, including their teeth and gums. Excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are important for both men and women, but women must also be more vigilant about certain risks. Astoria, NY general dentist Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz outlines some of the most prevalent conditions affecting women’s oral health.
Hormone-Related Gum Concerns
Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate significantly at different points in the menstrual cycle, usually beginning around the age of 13 years. Because hormone levels affect the way your body responds to plaque and bacteria, your gums become more sensitive than usual. As a woman of childbearing age, you may develop menstruation gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease typified by gums that bleed and appear red and puffy. The gums become tender, making it uncomfortable to floss and brush your teeth. This usually takes place one week prior to menses and lasts no longer than a week. Because the condition is temporary, this form of gingivitis does not have long-term consequences. Another form affects only pregnant women and is slightly more severe than menstruation gingivitis. Women may develop benign oral tumors as the result of drastic changes in hormone levels.
Taking synthetic hormones can affect your oral health, too. Oral contraceptives, even those that have low doses of hormones, increase the risk of developing gum disease and sensitive gums. Estrace, Premarin, and other medications prescribed during menopause, have similar effects. Synthetic hormones list dry mouth as a possible side effect. Saliva, which protects your mouth by flushing away bacteria and food, dries up, making your mouth more hospitable to the bacteria that cause tooth decay and periodontal disease. Dr. Leibowitz may recommend oral care products formulated especially for patients who have dry mouth, such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and sprays.
More Oral Health Concerns for Women
Not every women’s oral health issue stems from changes in hormone levels. Other risks include:
- Osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become brittle, affects an estimated 40 million people, mostly women. Women who do not take medication for osteoporosis are more likely to lose teeth because the disease can affect the jawbone.
- Human papillomavirus, or HPV, affects both sexes. However, the Centers for Diseases Control report a possible link between HPV and oral cancer. Women who are sexually active are advised to schedule dental exams every six months, during which Dr. Leibowitz will examine the mouth for signs of oral cancer.
- Nearly twice as many women as men are diagnosed with disorders of the temporomandibular joints, or TMJs. This uncomfortable condition may be stress-related, caused by grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw.
When was your last dental exam? To learn more about women’s oral health, or to request an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, contact our Astoria, NY dentist office at 718-728-8320. We offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry to residents of New York City, upstate New York, New Jersey, and the neighboring areas.
