Women have special needs when it comes to their oral health.
That’s because the physical changes they undergo through life menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth,
breast-feeding and menopause—cause many changes in the body, some harmful to
teeth and gums.
Lesions and ulcers, dry sockets, as well as swollen gums, can
sometimes occur during surges in a woman’s hormone levels. These periods would
be a prime time to visit the dentist. Birth control pills have been shown to
increase the risk of gingivitis, and hormone replacement therapy has been shown
to cause bleeding and swollen gums. Gum disease can also present a higher risk
for premature births.
Some research has shown that women may be more likely to develop
dry mouth, eating disorders, jaw problems such as temporomandibular joint
disorders, and facial pain—all of which can be difficult from a physical and
emotional standpoint.
Taking care of your mouth with proper oral health care is
essential, and can go a long way to helping you face the physical changes in
your body over the years.