Due to hormonal fluctuations experienced by women, they are more susceptible to oral health issues. Hormones influence the body's reaction to toxins from plaque and affect the blood supply to gum tissue. Consequently, women are at higher risk for periodontal disease and other oral health problems during specific life stages due to these hormonal changes.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Women

- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

- Irregular or missed periods

- Excessive facial, chin, or body hair (hirsutism)

- Acne on the face, chest, or upper back

- Vaginal dryness

- Darkened skin, especially in the groin, under the breasts, and skin tags

 

Causes of Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can stem from various causes depending on the affected hormones or glands. These include hormone therapy, medications, cancer treatments, benign or malignant tumors, issues with the pituitary gland, stress, injuries, diabetes types 1 and 2, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, hypogonadism, Cushing's syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and Addison's disease.

 

When Are Women More Susceptible to Oral Health Issues?

Women are more vulnerable to oral health problems during five key stages in their life: puberty, certain times during their menstrual cycle, birth control pill use, pregnancy, and menopause. Let's delve deeper into each of these stages.

Puberty

During puberty, the female hormones estrogen and progesterone increase significantly. This hormonal surge can lead to a rise in blood flow to a woman’s gums, altering their response to plaque irritants. Consequently, gums may become red, swollen, painful, and more prone to bleeding during brushing and flossing due to this increased blood flow.

The Menstrual Cycle Per Month

Some women notice oral changes due to hormonal shifts, particularly the increase in progesterone during the menstrual cycle. These changes can include bright red, swollen gums, enlarged salivary glands, canker sores, and bleeding gums. Menstrual cycle gingivitis usually appears a day or two before the period begins and resolves shortly after.

Birth Control

Women using birth control pills containing progesterone may experience gum inflammation due to the body's increased response to plaque toxins. Additionally, the risk of developing a dry socket after a tooth extraction is higher when using birth control. Therefore, it's important to inform us if you are using birth control so we can offer the necessary preventive care.

The Connection Between Hormones and TMJ

Research indicates that birth control pills with synthetic estrogen can reduce the body’s natural estrogen levels. Additionally, a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint is associated with lower natural estrogen levels.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormone levels undergo significant fluctuations. Elevated progesterone levels can increase the risk of pregnancy gingivitis, a condition where gums become swollen and bleed easily due to bacterial plaque. This condition is most common between the second and eighth months of pregnancy. To mitigate the risk of developing gingivitis, dentists recommend scheduling more frequent professional cleanings during the first or second trimester.

Menopause

During menopause, estrogen levels rapidly decline, which can lead to various oral issues. Some of these issues include:

 

- Burning sensations in the mouth

- Dry mouth

- Changes in taste

- Bone loss in the jaw

 

These problems can lead to further complications. For example, dry mouth can increase the risk of dental decay, while bone loss can result in tooth loss due to instability in the roots.

 

Care for Oral Health in St. Clair, Toronto

Hormonal changes in women make them more prone to oral health issues. These changes affect the body's response to toxins from plaque and the blood flow to the gums.

 

If you're in St. Clair, Toronto, and need advice or have questions about protecting your teeth and gums, please contact Smile Dental.