Everyone knows that men and women are completely different, but did you know that males and females have oral health needs that differ from each other? According to your dentist in Burlington, Dr. Mike Morris, women’s oral health needs change during puberty and pregnancy. Women’s oral health needs change when they go through menopause as well. Puberty and Oral Health When a girl goes through puberty, it triggers progesterone and estrogen. An increase in sex hormones triggers gum blood vessel dilation resulting in swollen, red and bleeding gums. Girls going through puberty can also suffer from mouth sores. Once through puberty, teenagers will often take oral contraceptives staying on them for several years. Oral contraceptives contain progesterone and estrogen. This means that long-term use can cause gum disease. Women on the pill will also be more susceptible to dry socket. Women’s Oral Health and Pregnant