Title: What is it to know about periodontal disease in women
Category: Health, Oral CareAuthor: admin
Most of the visits to periodontal offices are made by women, even though women tend to take better care of their teeth than men. This is because the female hormones have been affecting the health of the gums making them more susceptible to periodontal problems. Gingivitis has been influenced by hormonal changes during the adolescent stage, in pregnancy, and is sometimes a side effect to birth control medications.
Gingivitis, the earlier stage of periodontal disease, may flare up in some women a few days before menstruation. These are the times when the progesterone levels are high. Progesterone has the capability to dilate the blood vessels causing inflammation, and blocks the repair of collagen, the structural protein that supports the gums. During menstruation, some women may be experiencing swollen gums, lesions, canker sores, or bleeding gums. The dentist or dental hygienist may prescribe special cleanings, gum treatment or topical anaesthetics to ease the discomfort.
Hormonal changes are heightened during pregnancy which can aggravate the existing gum disease. This typically worsens around the second month and reaches a peak in the eighth month. Any of the pregnancy related gum problems usually gets resolved within a few months of delivery. There has been a close relation between periodontal disease and low-weight infants, even the complication of premature birth. It is important for pregnant women to seek the dentist advice on what periodontal disease treatment is best during this period.
A common problem for women who regularly take oral contraceptives is having inflamed gums. Some studies have reported that oral contraceptives contain synthetic progesterone desogestrel which increases the risk of periodontal disease. It is best to tell one’s dentist if birth control pills are taken because the effects of some medication might be lessened.
The deficiency of estrogen after menopause results to the reduced bone mineral density leading to bone loss. Bone loss has been associated with periodontitis and osteoporosis. If one has bone loss in the alveolar bone, the one that holds the tooth in place, this can be a major predictor of tooth loss in postmenopausal women. During menopause, some women may also develop a rare condition where the gums become dry, shiny and will bleed easily. This is called menopausal gingivostomatitis. There are also times when a women experiences abnormal tastes or sensations in the mouth such as salty, spicy, acidic, and burning sensations, dry mouth from decreased saliva flow and even a greater sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. Saliva substitutes are usually prescribed to combat such problem.