Oral and dental health in women requires special attention at various stages of their lives. Level changes in sex hormones in women at different periods such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause are directly related to oral and dental health. Also, women are more prone to temporamandibular joint (jaw joint) and Myofacial (muscular facial pain) pains, eating disorders, Sjorgen Syndrome (dry mouth).
Adolescence:
Hormonal secretion during this period (especially during menstrual bleeding) may cause swelling in the gums. Lesions (such as aphthae) and ulcers caused by the herpes virus may occur. Sour, acidic foods can cause sensitivity in the gums. They may not be very successful in taking adequate care of their teeth. It is a period in which caries and simple gingivitis are very common.
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS:
Birth control pills cause pregnancy-like effects (swelling of the gums, redness, easy bleeding) due to the hormones (progesterone and estrogen) they contain.
Some antibiotics are less effective when used with birth control pills. Women using these pills are twice as likely to have alveolitis (an inflammatory condition that occurs after tooth extraction). Therefore, inform your physician about the birth control pill you use, especially before your long dental treatments.
PREGNANCY:
Pregnant women are prone to gingivitis due to the sudden increase in hormone (estrogen and progesterone) levels. If the food residues (plaque) on the gums are not completely cleaned, gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums) can easily occur. Pregnant women with severe gum disease are at risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight babies.
Benign gingival tumors that occur in pregnant women disappear shortly after the pregnancy is over.
In pregnant women who have morning sickness and vomit frequently, the acidic environment in the mouth can cause tooth wear and sensitivity. To prevent this, mouthwashes or at least frequent rinsing of the mouth with water are recommended.
Good nutrition, especially plenty of vitamin C and vitamin B12, makes the oral environment strong and healthy. More frequent scaling cleanings prevent the formation of gingivitis and reduce the possibility of gingival tumors and cavities during this period.
For pregnant women, 4-6 months is the best time for treatment. If there is a problem that causes pain and discomfort, the pregnant gynecologist and the dentist should program the treatment together and the pain should be eliminated. However, it is not preferred to do non-emergency treatments while pregnant.
MENAPOSIS:
During menopause, some women complain of dry mouth, a burning sensation in the mouth, and a change in taste. Gums are more sensitive and painful. Hormone supplementation therapy (HRT), on the other hand, can make the gums swollen, bleeding, and red.
OTHER FACTORS:
Diet pills, eating disorders, some drugs and smoking are also factors that negatively affect women’s oral and dental health. Be sure to inform your doctor about these.
