News

Women’s Teeth

Many times, women’s oral health problems can be related to surges in sex hormone levels such as in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause. Gum inflammation is common during all of these hormone surges, but pregnancy may exaggerate the body’s normal response to dental plaque more than others. This hormonal increase exaggerates the way the gum tissues react to the bacteria in plaque, resulting in an increased likelihood that a pregnant woman will develop serious gum inflammation if her daily brushing and flossing is not thorough.

It is plaque, not the increased hormone levels, that is the major cause of gingivitis. Swelling of the gums is usually first seen in women who are in the second month of pregnancy and generally reaches a peak by the middle of the last trimester. It can remain that way for three to six months after delivery and will progress even after delivery unless diligent homecare is performed.

During menopause there are many women who experience dry mouth. Xerostomia, or "dry mouth," is caused by decreased saliva flow. With decreased saliva, it may be hard to eat, swallow, taste and speak. You can lessen the effects of dry mouth by drinking lots of water and avoiding sweets, tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine.

In certain cases, a lack of saliva can make your tongue become very sensitive, causing a condition called burning tongue syndrome.

Symptoms of dry mouth are:
Burning sensation of the tongue
Difficulties eating especially dry foods
Speech difficulty
Persistent thirst
Difficulty wearing dentures
Dry, cracked lips and corners of the mouth
Impaired taste
Cavities (caries) at the gum line especially of anterior teeth

Heavy plaque and food accumulations tend to occur with dry mouth, and with the lack of saliva bathing and cleansing teeth, those with dry mouth are often more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Without constant saliva flow to remove food debris and plaque from tooth surfaces and to neutralize acids, the tooth surface becomes more vulnerable to attack from bacteria.

Gingivitis and dry mouth are not the only problems that can result from hormone surges. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, women are more likely to be diagnosed with TMJ problems, myofacial pain, eating disorders, dry mouth, and Sjogren’s syndrome than men. The Academy also states that women who use birth control pills are twice as likely to develop dry sockets following wisdom teeth extractions. Women using birth control pills should be aware that many antibiotics commonly used render the birth control ineffective.

Since pregnancy and hormone fluctuations usually worsen pre-existing dental problems, you should make sure to get regular dental check-ups and call Dr. Hopgood if you are concerned.

Advanced Dental Concepts
Richard D. Hopgood D.M.D., M.A.G.D.
296 Lowell Street
Andover, MA 01810
Telephone: 978-475-2431
Email: info@andoverdmd.com