WOMEN & PERIODONTAL DISEASE

A WOMAN’S NEEDS

A woman’s body undergoes changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. The hormonal changes that occur at these stages may affect the gums and increase the woman’s risk to periodontal (gum) disease.

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

Periodontal disease or gum disease is caused by bacteria and toxins (poisons) found in dental plaque. Dental plaque is the sticky, colourless layer that forms on teeth constantly. The bacteria and toxins cause the gums to swell slightly, turn red and bleed easily. Depending on where this occurs, you may not be able to detect this. This stage is known as gingivitis. There is little or no pain. The most common complaint at this time is “My gums bleed when I brush my teeth”.

As the disease continues, the bacteria and toxins then invade the gums and destroy the bone supporting the teeth. The teeth become loose and may be lost. This stage is periodontitis. Most of this time, pain occurs at the later stages of the disease.

If you don’t know the state of your periodontal (gum) health, ask at your next dental visit. Hormonal changes can be a contributing factor in increasing your chances of getting gum disease or make an existing gum problem worse.

Healthy gums

Gum disease (Periodontitis)

PUBERTY AND MENSTRUATION

During puberty, there is an increased level of hormones such as progesterone and oestrogen. These hormones may cause an increase in the gums’ sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to food particles and plaque present. The gums become swollen turn red and may feel painful to the touch.

Gum swellings between teeth

Some women experience similar symptoms 3 to 4 days prior to their period. Others may experience menstruation gingivitis which is characterized by bleeding gums, a bright red swelling of the gums between teeth and sores or ulcers in the mouth. This usually clears up once her period starts.

It’s important to keep good oral hygiene during these hormonal changes so that the bone and gums surrounding the teeth are not affected.

PREGNANCY

Pregnancy epuli

Women can experience pregnancy gingivitis beginning in the second or third month. It may increase in severity throughout the pregnancy. The gums become swollen, red, may be painful and may bleed. In some cases, the gums react strongly to food particles and plaque to form swellings, the swellings are called pregnancy epuli and are usually painless. Some of them disappear after pregnancy but some remain and may require removal by a dentist.

The best way to avoid these gum problems during pregnancy is to begin with healthy gums. If you are thinking of getting pregnant, visit your dentist for a dental check-up. Ask your dentist to check on the condition of your gums and how well you are brushing your teeth.

If you are pregnant, you need to know that your oral health can affect the health of your baby.

Early reports show that infection during pregnancy, including periodontal (gum) infection, may pose a risk for delivering a premature, low birth weight baby. Include dental health check-ups in your prenatal care. Preventive dental care will go a long way in ensuring a trouble-free dental status during your pregnancy.

ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

If you are taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills or hormonal supplements), you may also be prone to similar gum conditions experienced by pregnant women. This is because the synthetic hormones in these pills copy the hormones in pregnancy. You will also need to know that certain antibiotics can interact with the oral contraceptives and lesson their effectiveness. As such, it is important to mention all medications that you are taking to your medical and dental care providers.

MENOPAUSE

Menopausal or post-menopausal women may experience discomfort on the mouth including pain and burning sensations in the gums tissue, altered taste and dry mouth. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may relieve these symptoms but a consultation with a doctor is always required assess the risk and benefits of each woman first. “Saliva substitutes ” are available in the form of rinses and gels to lessen the effects of a  dry mouth and burning sensation if necessary.

CONCLUSION

Each phase of a woman’s life brings with it many changes. Your oral health at these times are important to your overall health and well-being. Careful attention to home dental care and regular professional check-ups will ensure healthy gums and teeth for a lifetime.