Combating hormone-induced oral health issues in women

Experts provided strategies to maintain oral health through changes in hormones.

Hormonal fluctuations can leave women more susceptible to oral health issues, according to a news article from Women’s Health. Experts cited in the article explained that changes in estrogen levels can directly impact the estrogen receptors in the gums and salivary glands — leading to inflammation, sensitivity in the gums, reductions in saliva production and dry mouth. For instance, hormonal fluctuations can increase the risk of periodontal disease and encourage dietary habits more likely to cause dental decay during pregnancy as well as decrease bone density and raise the risk of tooth loss during menopause.

Additionally, women have been found to be more likely to develop autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, which have been linked to xerostomia, mouth ulcers and periodontal disease, respectively.

The experts urged women to follow effective oral hygiene habits to minimize the risk of oral health issues, including brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, limiting the intake of sugary foods and beverages, avoiding frequent snacking between meals and adhering to regular dental appointments to detect and treat issues early. They noted that bleeding gums during flossing could indicate inflammation and that continual daily flossing can improve gum health and lead to less or no bleeding.

Read more: Women’s Health

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.