Dental Issues Women can Experience as they Age

Oral health goes way beyond having amazing white teeth and no cavities. Daily brushing and flossing although very important are not the only determination as to how well your teeth maintain over time. Sometimes, during various cycles in your life, especially for women, a little more work in needed.  Regular dental appointments play an important part in keeping your teeth and gums in good repair.  Your dentist can identify issues going on with your teeth or gums that may go unnoticed by you without their help.

For women specifically, oral health care needs to change at specific time during her lifespan. This is because, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, menopause, menstruation as well as other factors contribute to the change in hormones in a women’s body.  The female sex hormones at various states in a women’s life effects how her mouth responds to plaque. Without extra attention to brushing, flossing and dental cleanings during these fluctuations, plaque will build causing cavities and gum disease.

Did you know 1 out of every 4 women between the ages of 30-54 have been reported with periodontitis?  In addition, 1 out of every 2 women between the ages 55-90 are reported with periodontitis.  This number can dramatically decrease with help from your dentist.  Your dentist is aware of these fluctuations in your body chemistry and can advise you the best ways to compensate when your oral health is negatively responding to your body’s chemistry.

Why see your dentist during hormonal changes?

• Menstruation– some women find their gums swell and bleed
• Pregnancy– makes your mouth more susceptible to gingivitis
• Using Oral Contraceptive– possible hormonal gingivitis
• Menopause– hormonal changes can lead to periodontitis
• Osteoporosis– Can lead to tooth loss