An old tale of losing a tooth with each pregnancy is not all myth. The periodontal concerns of women through the hormonal changes occurring throughout life. Periodontal disease has very few symptoms in the early stages. Overlooking these changes can lead to tooth loss as well as affecting your general health.
Almost one quarter of all women over thirty have periodontitis and almost half of women over 55 who still have teeth have periodontitis. A great part of these problems are related to the fluctuations in hormones that occur during a woman's life.
Puberty occurs with a large jump in the level of progesterone and maybe estrogen. The gums can become sensitive and very reactive to irritation. Red, swollen and tender gums can develop during this hormone elevation.
Menstruation causes gingivitis in some women. Again, red, swollen, tender gums can be noted. Sometimes, sores occur on the inner lips or cheeks. This condition usually occurs just before menstruation and clears up as menstruation begins.
Pregnancy is a special concern for women. Research has shown that bacterial infections such as gum disease can trigger chemicals in a woman's body that induce premature labor. What they are telling us is that when you have an infection, your body does not stand still. It makes changes to help fight the infection. Some of these changes do not consider the pregnancy. Women with gum disease are more prone deliver pre-term low birthweight babies(7 times more likely to have premature birth). More research is indicate to identify the exact relationship of gum disease to these premature deliveries.
Occasionally, during pregnancy, the gums will react to irritants and cause the gum to grow into small growths that are usually not tender or dangerous. Although called pregnancy tumors, they are not cancer. But they often require removal as they persist.
Birth control pills add a special concern for women with gum disease. The BC pills can affect hormones and cause redness and tenderness in the gums. Another twist of birth control pills is that when antibiotics are used to help the gum disease, the effectiveness of the birth control pill lessens. So, be careful when taking antibiotics when already taking birth control pills.
Menopause can also affect the mouth and gum disease. Often, during menopause can cause dry mouth, burning sensations, funny tastes and discomfort. Some women who have increased bleeding and reddened gums can be helped when estrogen supplements are begun.
Studies are being done now to see if there is a connection between osteoporosis and bone loss from periodontal disease. Using hormone replacement may help fight osteoporosis and may also protect their teeth from the bone loss caused by gum disease.
Prevention, including good oral hygiene, regular check-ups and maintaining good general health, ar a woman's best bet. If you notice bleeding gums, changes in color, recession, funny tastes, bad breadth, loose teeth or shifting teeth, or a change in the bite, a woman should seek professional help. Remember, the symptoms are often very slight and can be overlooked. Don't wait!
For more information about women and gum disease, check out the American Academy of Periodontology webpage at www.perio.org/consumer/women.htm.
