Dental Health and the Relation to Your Hormones at All Ages
OK ladies… I have something to tell you that you might not have heard before. Hormonal changes to your body, in various stages throughout your life, may put you at increased risk for gum disease and other dental concerns. The good news is that Dr. Agatha Bis understands these changes, and as a female holistic dentist, looks at overall health, in addition to dental health.
A key part of the in-depth health history for her female patients focuses on life stages and hormonal changes. Understanding that hormones play a role in overall health, as well as dental health, can help patients disclose relevant details in their visits with Dr. Bis. A collaborative approach to dental care is critical to being proactive over reactive.
While there is a complex explanation about the relationship between hormones and oral cavity micro flora, we simply want you to understand that during certain times of change for women – puberty, pregnancy and menopause – there is generally a higher probability that the body will experience irritation and inflammation throughout the body; and that includes the mouth.
Below we look at key times in a woman’s life where hormones may play a significant role in dental health.
Inflammation & Periodontal Disease During Puberty
During puberty young girls will experience increased inflammation as a result of higher hormone levels, which puts them at an increased risk for developing periodontal disease. How so? Research has shown that higher hormone levels causes increased blood circulation to the gums. This increased circulation often leads to sensitivity and susceptibility to irritation, which turns into inflammation.
The good news is that this irritation generally subsides as a young lady moves through puberty.
Pregnancy & Your Dental Health
You may have heard this term if you’ve been pregnant while visiting your dentist… pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy gingivitis is typically caused by an increased level of progesterone in the system and is generally identified by increased sensitivity, swelling and bleeding of the gums throughout the first trimester and continues until the about month eight. It is important to talk with your experienced Oakville dentist if you experience swelling and bleeding of your gums before pregnancy as you might be at an increased risk. If your gums are in good health and didn’t experience any previous symptoms, you are less likely to have any problems.
The good news is that symptoms usually subside in the ninth month and disappear following the birth.
Peri- and Post-Menopausal Dental Concerns
Women who are peri- or post-menopausal may experience changes to their oral health. Take note and report any signs of discomfort including dry mouth, pain and a burning sensation in the gum tissue, and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour. This is referred to as menopausal gingivostomatitis…. a mouthful, right?
While changes are not necessarily due to the hormone changes a woman is undergoing at this phase of her life, often the medications, including progesterone supplements, lead to increased sensitivity and irritation of the gums. Some of the key symptoms of menopausal gingivostomatitis are gums that bleed, turn red and/or swell.
The good news is that if you are diagnosed with menopausal gingivostomatitis, our experienced team can help you manage your condition with a few dental lifestyle hacks.
Now that you are aware of the potential damaging effects of hormonal changes to your dental health, don’t ignore the signs. Seek out the expertise of your local holistic dental expert in Oakville, Dr. Bis, to identify the cause and possible safe treatment options available. As a holistic dentist, Dr. Bis is in tune with the body as a whole and the impact hormones play on not only dental health, but overall health.
With a commitment to continuing education, Dr. Bis is at the forefront of holistic dentistry and values a collaborative approach with her patients. If you would like to learn more about our approach to family holistic dental care in Oakville; get in touch with Dr. Agatha Bis and her team by calling 905.338.6684 or by completing the form below.
Dr. Agatha Bis Dentistry would like to help you switch to a holistic dentist. We are located in Oakville Ontario and help patients from Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Mississauga and Toronto with their holistic and cosmetic dental needs.