Dental Health Week 2016 – Women and Oral Health – Part 1 – Dental Health & Puberty

Women’s dental health

Today our main goal here is to focus on raising the importance and awareness of oral health for women during key stages in their life.

Women have special oral health requirements during unique phases in their lives starting from puberty then moving onto menstruation and the use of contraception, pregnancy and menopause.

While most women today are not aware that they may be more susceptible to oral health issues we would like to help outline and give you an understanding of these unique hormonal changes that you as a woman will eventually experience.

Hormones have a major affect not only on the blood supply to the gum and tissue but also the body’s response to certain toxins that arise from plaque build-up. As a result of this, women are more prone to the development of periodontal disease, mouth ulcers, inflamed gums, gingivitis, altered taste sensations and dry mouth. The following are only a few of the oral health issues you will experience during this time so it’s important not only to be aware that these changes will happen but also learn how to maintain a good oral health routine to help prevent major issues down the track.

Women (Puberty and Oral health)

During puberty, oestrogen and progesterone hormones cause a girl’s body to mature. This increase of sex hormones triggers the dilation of small blood vessels in the gums that can result in redness, bleeding, and swelling.

Along with certain body changes, the sex hormone fluctuations and chemical changes in the mouth can change the way the gums respond to germs and bacteria in the mouth.

Certain microbial changes that occur during puberty tend to shift from a healthy microbial flora to a more destructive flora. This microbial change is related to the increased levels of hormones in the blood, causing excessive growth of certain bacteria.

Accordingly, cavities and bad breath are more likely during this time and gums tend to become more susceptible to infections, such as gingivitis. In addition, it’s also not uncommon for ulcers and lesions to occur in and outside the mouth during puberty.

Brushing for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste after each meal is critical to maintain oral health. The use of an electric toothbrush may help kids reach areas they could not reach with a manual brush. Further information from the dentist and the Seymour Dental staff can equip young women further with the oral health material to help keep their mouths clean.

Roni

Next week: Women and Oral Health – Part 2 – Menstruation & Use of Oral Contraceptives