Women experience hormonal changes throughout their life span. Here are five main times when hormones fluctuate:
- Puberty – Large amounts of progesterone and estrogen are introduced to the body during puberty making gingivitis conditions more likely. Irritants such as plaque build-up can increase the redness, swelling and discomfort. Good oral care during this time is critically important, especially if orthodontics are in place.
- Monthly Menstruation – Menstrual gingivitis is a temporary condition where irritation, bleeding, and soreness in the gums presents itself a few days before your period, and can continue through it. Some women also experience canker sores and/or swollen salivary glands during this time. If it doesn’t end when your period ends, speak to a dentist.
- Birth Control – Women who use progesterone for birth control are likely to experience an increase in gum inflammation more often than women who don’t. Birth control should be included on your list of medications to discuss with your dentist during your visits. Contraceptives can also change how other medications work in your body, so it’s important to discuss this before any oral surgeries.
- Pregnancy – Significant changes happen in a woman’s body during pregnancy, and pregnancy gingivitis can happen at nearly any point. Healthy gums prior to pregnancy help reduce or eliminate pregnancy related gingivitis, but morning sickness, nausea, and dietary changes can also play a part in the oral health changes during pregnancy. Talk to your dentist about any worrisome changes and let them know that you are pregnant.
- Menopause – In addition to fluctuating changes in hormones during menopause, women are also likely to be taking medications that lead to dry mouth. Saliva helps to rinse the mouth of bacteria and food particles, so without it, or less of it, tooth decay and gum disease have a higher likelihood.
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