Women and Oral Health – Part 3 – Pregnancy & Menopause

Women’s Oral health and Pregnancy

Hormone levels change considerably during pregnancy. An increased level of progesterone in particular can increase your susceptibility to bacterial plaque causing gingivitis, which is most noticeable during the second to eighth months of pregnancy. This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis where the gums become swollen and bleed easily.

Your dentist might recommend more frequent professional cleanings during your second or early third trimester to help reduce the chance of developing gingivitis.

Women’s Oral health and Menopause

Numerous oral changes can occur as a consequence of age, the medicines taken to help prevent diseases, and hormonal changes due to menopause. These oral changes can include altered taste, a burning sensation in the mouth, and greater sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, and decreased salivary flow that can result in dry mouth.

Dry mouth, in turn, can result in the development of periodontal disease because saliva is not available to moisten and cleanse the mouth by neutralising acids produced by plaque. Dry mouth can also result from many prescription and over-the-counter medicines that are commonly prescribed to adults.

There is a decline in oestrogen that occurs with menopause that also puts women at greater risk for bone loss or osteoporosis and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Loss of bone, specifically in the jaw, can lead to tooth loss. Receding gums can be a sign of bone loss in the jawbone and also expose more of the tooth surface to potential tooth decay.

Hormone therapy may play a role in preserving dental health in postmenopausal women. Oestrogen therapy prevents bone loss in both the skeletal bones and the jawbones. This suggests that hormone therapy protects against tooth loss in postmenopausal women.

– Roni

I wish to thank Roni for writing this series which has covered a lot of issues with women and dental health. Next week is the last instalment of the series.

Next week: Women and Oral Health – Part 4 – Other Considerations & Prevention