Women’s Oral Health and Overall Health


Good oral health is essential to good general health. Specifically for women, a growing body of research has linked gum disease to a variety of health problems that affect women. Because 3 out of 4 adults are affected by periodontal disease, or commonly known as gum disease, at some point in their lives, it is important to understand what triggers the onset of the disease and how to treat it. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can enter the bloodstream and may be a factor in causing other health complications such as:

· Heart disease
o People with gum disease are more at risk for heart disease and have twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack.
o Heart disease is the number 1 killer for women.
· Stroke
o Studies have shown their may be a relation between oral infections and stroke.
· Diabetes
o People who are diabetic are more likely to have gum disease and may make it more difficult to control their blood sugar.
o Gum disease may also be a risk factor for diabetes, even in healthy individuals.
· Respiratory problems
o Bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can travel to the lungs causing respiratory disease such as pneumonia-especially in people with gum disease.
· Pregnancy
o Pregnant mothers who have gum disease may be more likely to have a baby born too early or too small.
o Gum disease may also trigger increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor.

Because gum disease is usually painless, many women may not even realize they have it until it reaches an advanced state. Your best defense is to brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly.

Women have special oral health requirements during the unique phases of their life. Changes in hormones during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause exaggerate the way gums react to plaque. So throughout these times, women need to be especially thorough when brushing and flossing every day in order to prevent gum disease.

Other important details that women should know:
Menstruation-some women find their gums swell and bleed prior to their periods, while others experience cold sores or canker sores. These symptoms usually go away once your period starts.
Your dentist may prescribe special cleanings, gum treatment or topical anesthetics to ease any discomfort.
Oral Contraceptives-one of the most common side effects of taking them is inflamed gum tissue.
Tell your dentist if you are taking birth control pills because some medications the dentist may give you, such as antibiotics, can lessen the effect of an oral contraceptive.
Pregnancy-many pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis, this is when the plaque builds up on teeth, and irritates the gums. Usually this happens between the second and eighth months. Some symptoms include: red, inflamed and bleeding gums. Prenatal care is extremely important.
Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second trimester to help avoid these problems.
Menopause-oral symptoms include red or inflamed gums, oral pain and discomfort, burning sensations, altered taste sensations and dry mouth from decreased saliva flow.
Your dentist may prescribe saliva substitute to combat dry mouth.
Osteoporosis-studies suggest there is a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Researchers suggest this may eventually lead to tooth loss because the density of bone that supports teeth may be decreased. When combined with gum disease, osteoporosis speeds up the process of bone loss around the teeth.