Women and Oral Health – Part 4 – Other Considerations & Prevention

What can I do to prevent the development of periodontal disease and any diseases associated with women’s oral health?

Following these tips will help:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Floss at least once a day.
• Visit your dentist twice a year for an oral examination and cleaning.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Avoid sugary or starchy foods.
• Ask your dentist if he or she thinks you should use an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
• If you have dry mouth, ask your dentist about treatments for this condition, such as artificial saliva.
• Always inform the dentist of any changes to your medical and health situation. This includes medications for menopause and contraception. This to ensure the dentist is aware of potential interactions with other medications.
• With menstruation, your iron and other vitamins levels, over time, may fall. This can affect your ability to heal and your general health. Sometimes a blood test may be needed if the dentist suspects your blood chemistry may not be ideal.
• Being pregnant does NOT mean you can’t see the dentist. In fact it’s more important to have a healthy mouth as when the baby is born it will inherit the kind of mouth the mother has.

– Roni

Again, I wish to thank Roni for writing this important series on women and dental health to mark Dental Health Week 2016.

P.S. On reflection it’s obvious that women are often a slave to their hormones.

– Dr Anthony Seymour

Next week: Team Wairoa becomes Team Miroma – Fund Raiser