Due to specific hormonal fluctuations experienced by women, they may be more prone to oral health issues. Hormones influence the body’s reaction to the toxins (poisons) brought on by plaque formation in addition to the blood supply to the gum tissue. Therefore, women are more vulnerable to developing periodontal disease and other oral health issues at specific stages of their life due to these changes.
Signs and Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance in Women
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Missed, stopped, or recurrent periods
- Excessive facial, chin or body hair, often known as hirsutism.
- Acne on the face, chest or upper back
- Vaginal dryness.
- Darkening of the skin, particularly in the groin, beneath the breasts, and skin tags
Causes of Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance has a variety of causes. Depending on which hormones or glands are impacted, several reasons may apply. Hormone therapy, medications, chemotherapy for cancer, benign or malignant tumours, pituitary glands, stress, injury, or trauma, diabetes type 1 and 2, diabetes insipidus, hyperthyroidism or an underactive thyroid, and hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid are just a few examples. Hormonal imbalance can be brought on by overactive thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, hypogonadism, Cushing syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and Addison’s disease.
When Are Women More Susceptible to Oral Health Issues?
There are five stages in a woman’s life where her hormones can change, increasing her risk of getting an oral health issue. These include puberty, specific times during a monthly menstrual cycle, birth control pill use, pregnancy, and menopause. Let’s examine each of these five phases in more detail:
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Puberty
The female hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced more significantly throughout puberty. As a result, the blood flow to a woman’s gums may rise due to this surge, which may also change how her gum tissue responds to the plaque irritants. Gum tissue may become red, swollen, painful, and more likely to bleed during brushing and flossing as a result of this increase in blood flow.
The Menstrual Cycle Per Month
Some women experience oral changes, such as bright red swelling gums, swollen salivary glands, the development of canker sores, and bleeding gums, as a result of hormonal changes (especially the rise in progesterone) that take place throughout the menstrual cycle. Gingivitis associated with menstruation typically develops a day or two before the start of the period and disappears shortly afterwards.
Birth Control
Due to the body’s heightened response to toxins created by plaque, women who use birth control pills containing progesterone, which raises the level of that hormone in the body, may have gum inflammation. Moreover, a dry socket after a tooth extraction is more likely to occur if you use birth control. Therefore, when using birth control, be sure to let us know so we can provide you with the proper preventive care.
The Connection Between Hormones and TMJ
According to research, birth control pills containing synthetic estrogen can cause a drop in the body’s natural estrogen levels. Another oral condition affecting the temporomandibular joint is linked to decreased levels of natural estrogen.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormone levels significantly fluctuate. If your progesterone levels are high, you may be more susceptible to gingivitis, which is most prevalent from the second to the eighth month of pregnancy and is caused by bacterial plaque. Pregnancy gingivitis is a disorder in which the gums swell and bleed readily. To lower your risk of developing gingivitis, your dentist suggests scheduling more frequent professional cleanings in the second or first trimester.
Menopause
Estrogen levels quickly decrease during menopause. However, this could also lead to oral issues. Some of these include:
- A burning sensation in your mouth
- Dry mouth
- Altered taste
- Bone loss
Several of these issues might trigger additional difficulties. For instance, dry mouth increases the likelihood of dental decay, and bone loss increases the risk of tooth loss by causing root instability.
What Can I Do to Stop Oral Health Issues from Occurring?
- Use toothpaste with fluoride at least twice every day to brush your teeth. At least once each day, floss.
- Have a professional oral examination and cleaning twice yearly at your dentist’s office.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Steer clear of starchy or sugary snacks
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Care for Oral Health in St. Clair, Toronto
Due to the particular hormonal fluctuations that women go through, they are more susceptible to oral health issues. In addition, these modifications impact your body’s reaction to toxins produced by plaque development and the blood flow to your gum tissues.
Please don’t hesitate to call us at Smile Dental if you live in St. Clair, Toronto or have any inquiries or want suggestions on how to safeguard your teeth and gums further.
