Women’s Oral Health and Why It’s Different
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 Women
Although it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits throughout life, it is especially vital during pregnancy. Women who are expecting notice an increase in hormone levels. The progesterone and estrogen can cause inflamed and red gums. If gum disease is left untreated, it can develop into periodontal disease, which is manageable, but not curable. Just another reason women’s oral health is so important.
Dr. Morris explains that women who are pregnant and have been diagnosed with periodontitis are more likely to give birth to babies prematurely. Women with gum disease may also give birth to low weight babies. If you are pregnant, schedule regular appointments with your Burlington dentist and be sure to let Dr. Morris and his team know that you are expecting.
Menopause and Oral Health
When a woman is going through menopause, she may have to deal with sensitive and sore gums. Women in menopause also complain of dry mouth.
According to Colgate, any hormonal changes make the teeth and gums susceptible to gum disease. The most common oral health problems in menopausal women include oral discomfort, painful mouth sensations, and dry mouth. Menopause also causes BMS or burning mouth syndrome. Women who are in the stages of menopause, also notice less saliva flow and an increase in oral ulcerations and cold sores.
Women of any age need to pay careful attention to their teeth and gums. When you brush twice and floss once each day and schedule regular dental checkups with your Burlington Dentist, you are well on your way to a healthy mouth.
Women’s oral health is important. Take charge of your life and your teeth and gums, and call and schedule an appointment with Chittenden Dental today.
