Exploring the Impact of Hormones on Women’s Oral Health

As women, we go through drastic changes in our lives because of our hormones. While we often think about how these changes affect our mood or energy, we are not educated upon the effects on our oral health. Major life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can have serious consequences on our teeth and gums through the differing hormone fluctuations. Staying on top of our dental care during these stages is crucial for our long term health.

Puberty and Oral Health

Puberty is a vital time when hormones like progesterone and oestrogen increase. These hormones do not just affect your emotions or skin; they swell your gums, making them more sensitive. While the gums are vulnerable, they are subject to infection by bacteria that live naturally in the mouth, thus allowing bacteria to colonise around the teeth, that can lead to gum diseases such as gingivitis which furthermore leads to periodontitis, tooth decay and worse. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), around 38% of teenagers suffer from gingivitis due to hormonal changes. Therefore, the significance of brushing and flossing daily has been amplified much more, yet its gravity is dismissed and unknown.

Impacts of Birth Control and Pregnancy

Individuals on birth control or who are pregnant find themselves on two sides of the same coin. This is because contraceptives mimic the state of pregnancy, so you have higher levels of progesterone and oestrogen, which increases blood flow to the gum tissues making them prone to swelling and bleeding. During pregnancy, this is a disease called pregnancy gingivitis. These hormonal shifts can also affect how the body responds to plaque, exacerbating gum inflammation. If left untreated, this can progress to more serious issues like periodontitis (gum disease that damages soft tissues and bone supporting diseases), which has been linked to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Thus, expectant mothers must prioritise their health, including oral health! Pregnant women can protect their oral health by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for professional cleanings and advice. Eating a balanced diet low in sugary snacks helps reduce plaque buildup, while rinsing the mouth with water after morning sickness minimizes acid damage to teeth. Dentists can also recommend safe treatments to manage pregnancy gingivitis and prevent further complications. Furthermore, a hormonal contraceptive, such as the birth control pill, can also disrupt the healing process after a dental procedure depending on oestrogen and progesterone levels. In a procedure such as a tooth extraction, a person on hormonal contraception is twice as likely to develop a painful condition called a dry socket. To mitigate this, individuals should maintain excellent oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing and flossing. Regular dental checkups can help detect and treat any gum issues early. Staying hydrated, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and informing the dentist about contraceptive use can also help tailor prevention strategies. Most dentists suggest people on birth control schedule such a procedure during the last week of their menstrual cycle or during the “sugar pill” days when hormone levels are lowest. However, many women are unaware of these types of conditions and go into procedures unaware of the consequences leading a handful dissatisfied and in agony. Therefore, the education on the impacts of the hormonal contraceptive is incredibly important, however, its minimal and unheard of by many.

Impacts of Menopause

Menopause brings about significant hormonal changes, particularly a drop in estrogen levels, which can have notable effects on oral health. Reduced estrogen impacts bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis (where bones become weak and fragile, increasing the risk of fractures) and leading to potential bone loss in the jaw, which can weaken the foundation for teeth and contribute to tooth loss. Menopause also often causes a decrease in saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Saliva is crucial for protecting teeth and gums, so its reduction can heighten the risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. Additionally, hormonal shifts may trigger burning mouth syndrome, characterised by a painful, burning sensation in the tongue or other areas of the mouth. To prevent and improve oral health issues during menopause, women should prioritise calcium and vitamin D intake to support bone health, stay hydrated to combat dry mouth, and use saliva substitutes if necessary. Regular dental checkups are essential to monitor gum health and address symptoms like burning mouth syndrome. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a balanced diet can also help protect oral and overall health during this stage.