Women’s Health and Dental Health: How Your Hormones Affect Your Teeth
Ah, hormones. They don’t really get the best rap, do they? Just the word calls to mind moodiness, acne, postpartum depression, and night sweats. But did you know that hormones also affect your mouth, too? Yep, that’s right—even your teeth aren’t immune from the impact of hormones on your body.
Luckily, with a little foresight and extra love, your oral health doesn’t have to suffer just because Aunt Flow came to town. Read on to see how your mouth and your hormones are connected, which hormonal triggers to watch out for, and what to do to keep smiling, no matter your age or stage of life.
When Might Hormones Impact Your Oral Health?
There are many different hormones in women’s (and men’s!) bodies. But, the ones that we hear about most tend to be estrogen and progesterone. That’s because, these hormones are responsible for some of the biggest noticeable effects on your body—from your mood and mental health to your skin, weight, and yes, also your teeth.
There are five key times in a woman’s life when hormonal changes can affect the teeth. These include:
While each phase of life has its own unique qualities and challenges, all are associated with an increase of natural or synthetic estrogen or progesterone.
What Do Hormones Do to Your Mouth?
Spikes in estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow. And when it comes to dental health, more blood flow leads to sensitivity in the gum tissue and amps up the body’s reactions to irritants, like plaque and bacteria, which causes inflammation. Puffy, agitated gums are susceptible to pain, bleeding, and even, in the long term, gum disease—a serious condition that can lead to gum and bone loss.
Beyond gum issues, hormonal changes can also cause mouth ulcers, swollen salivary glands, and even dry sockets. Some research suggests that women using hormonal birth control are more than twice as likely to experience a dry socket after a surgical tooth extraction than women who are not on the pill.
The bad news is that hormones can clearly do a number on your oral health. The good news, however, is that most serious conditions are preventable.
How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy in Every Season of Life
The best thing you can do to keep your mouth healthy is to keep your hygiene game strong. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once per day, and visit your dentist regularly. As they say, prevention is the best medicine.
Take stock of where you are in life. Switching your birth control pill? Planning a pregnancy? Entering menopause? Pay attention to how your teeth and gums respond. Some issues may resolve all on their own. For example, you may notice gum issues flaring up between months two and eight of pregnancy, on the first few days of you your period, or when you start a new oral contraceptive. If you notice issues that last more than a few weeks, though, it’s time to call your dentist. Regardless of whether you think things are under control, always tell your dentist what medications you’re taking (including birth control) and if you are or plan to be pregnant. Some changes might be needed for the best dental care.
Even when you’re pregnant, keep your regular dental visits on the books. So much is off-limits when you’re pregnant, but visiting the dentist is not. You might choose to delay non-emergent treatment for your own comfort—lying flat on your back for long periods of time might make you dizzy when pregnant. However, routine cleanings and emergency procedures are perfectly safe and recommended. Maternal periodontitis, the start of gum disease, has been linked to preterm and low-birth-weight babies. So, symptoms of a gum issue are not something to be ignored.
If you experience dry mouth, often a symptom of menopause, let your dentist know. He or she might recommend a prescription toothpaste, rinse, or spray to reduce your symptoms and related issues. You can also try sucking on ice chips or sugar-free candy and staying hydrated.
Bone loss is also common during menopause, so talk to your doctor if you notice receding gums—often a first sign of bone loss. It might be time to give your body a boost with calcium or vitamin D supplements. Menopausal hormone changes can also be the culprit for jaw pain. Avoid smoking and alcohol if you notice any discomfort, and let your dentist know if you suspect something hormonal is to blame.
Summary
While they’re not always fun to manage, hormones play an important role in the balance and adaptability of a woman’s body. With a little extra TLC, you can keep your mouth healthy, no matter what phase of life you’re in.
As always, your dentist is your friend! If you ever have questions about your oral health, don’t be afraid to ask. We’re here for you, through every season.
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