Woman, how's your mouth?
Keeping your mouth healthy is sexy, but those hormones sure get in the way!
The other day, I felt a pain on my gum and I freaked out. I had never had any gum issues prior to now and for me good oral hygiene is the sexiest feature I believe we possess. I freaked out the more when I saw it reflected back at me in the mirror. I went through my mental rolodex of doctor family and friends and not recalling any that was a dentist, I went to the next best thing — Google — it’s a joke, but I also really love how I can at least get the basic information on health symptoms on Google.
I found out that it was a canker sore (mouth ulcers) and it turns out that this was yet another menstrual symptom. I had never heard about this before — as if all the other symptoms women have to deal with weren’t enough. But just as Google said, this canker sore started two days before my period and three days later was totally gone.
It made me think about all the ways our oral health is linked to our overall well-being. Last week, I shared with you that our oral health was linked with being in good mental health. According to the research, there are a myriad of serious health conditions associated with our oral health including: cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension and more.
Women especially have to stay vigilant with their dental hygiene. Here are five various times when women are particularly susceptible to oral health problems:
1. While you are going through puberty
Hormonal changes — the production of estrogen and progesterone — begin to occur during the teenage years that encourages the growth of certain bacteria and increases the blood flow to gums resulting in swollen gums and mouth sores.
2. While you are on your period
Menstruation gingivitis — inflammation of the gums — for some women usually occurs a day or two before the start of the period and clears up shortly after the period has started. The increase in hormones may also cause women to develop canker sores or swollen salivary glands during their monthly cycle.
3. While using contraceptives (birth control)
Birth control pills or methods that contain progesterone can cause some women to experience hormonal gingivitis and enhances periodontal tissue breakdown and plaque buildup. The longer the use of the contraception, the worse the gum health.
4. While you are pregnant
Pregnancy can cause some women to be more likely to experience cavities and inflamed gums — pregnancy gingivitis. This could be as a result of the change in diet during pregnancy including increase in sugary consumption, the effects of morning sickness, and poorer hygiene. This is particularly important because research shows that periodontal disease increases the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight.
5. While you are experiencing and post menopause
Women undergoing menopause are at an increased risk of gum diseases, tooth loss, receding gums, dry mouth, burning mouth syndrome, altered taste sensations and weakness in the jaw bone. These conditions are also seen more frequently after menopause.
How To Protect Your Teeth
During each and every one of these stages and in-between, practicing good oral hygiene will prevent future dental diseases and its related complications.
1. Brush your teeth twice daily using a fluoride-based toothpaste and a soft brush
2. Brush your tongue using a tongue scrapper
3. Floss and rinse using a mouthwash once a day
4. Eat a well-balanced diet, avoid sugary foods and drinks, smoking and alcohol
5. Get enough Vitamin C and D to avoid bone loss in teeth
6. Visit your dentist twice a year for a professional checkup and cleaning
7. Be sure to tell your dentists and all other doctors — regardless of their specialty — when you are experiencing any oral symptoms, as the symptoms might be a sign/complication of a related serious health condition
