| Dr. Neromini FaguToday we celebrate mothers. We all know that most women are the nurturers of the family and the caregivers, but when it comes to our own health, sometimes we women are not as attentive as we should be. Women’s health-needs are unique. We need to take extra care of ourselves so we can continue to provide care to those around us.As we go through various stages in life, our oral health care needs also changes during those stages. Hormonal fluctuations throughout our lives can affect our oral health. These changes are directly related to surges in sex-hormone levels, such as in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation and menopause. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with TMJ, myofascial pain, eating disorders and dry mouth syndromes.PubertyDuring puberty, increased levels of sex hormones such as progesterone and possibly estrogen cause increased blood circulation to the gums. This may lead to an increase in the gum’s sensitivity and thus to a greater reaction to any irritants, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums may become swollen, turn red and feel tender.As a young woman progresses through puberty, the tendency for her gums to swell in response to irritants will lessen. However, during puberty it is important to follow a good at-home oral hygiene regimen, including regular brushing and flossing, and regular dental care. In some cases, periodontal therapy may be recommended to help prevent damage to the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth.MenstruationOccasionally, some women experience menstruation gingivitis. Women with this condition may experience bleeding gums, bright red and swollen gums, and sores on the inside of the cheek. Menstruation gingivitis typically occurs right before a woman’s period and clears up once her period has started.Some women also have a tendency to develop canker sores and cold sores and this may become a pattern that recurs during every menstrual cycle.PregnancyWomen may experience increased gingivitis or pregnancy gingivitis beginning in the second or third month of pregnancy that increases in severity throughout the eighth month. During this time, some women may notice swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness and even lumps in the gum tissue.Women who experience morning sickness and vomiting may have teeth erosion due to the constant exposure to stomach acids. The chemical composition of saliva also changes during pregnancy and this tends to reduce the effectiveness of saliva’s antimicrobial capacity.Some women may experience dry mouth while pregnant, making them more prone to dental caries. Sometimes, women will avoid dental checkups for fear that treatment might harm the developing baby, when in fact untreated decayed teeth can put a mother and her baby at risk for infection.Women who use oral contraceptives may be susceptible to the same oral health conditions that affect pregnant women including red, bleeding and swollen gums. Sometimes the medications, such as antibiotics, used to help treat gum disease may lessen the effect of an oral contraceptive.Menopause and Post-MenopauseWomen who are menopausal or post-menopausal may experience changes in their oral health. They may notice discomfort in the mouth, including dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour. In addition,Air Max Shop Italia, menopausal gingivostomatitis affects a small percentage of women.Gums that look dry or shiny, bleed easily and range from abnormally pale to deep red are marks of this condition. Most women find that estrogen supplements help to relieve these symptoms. As we age, one of the concerns is bone loss and this is associated with both periodontal disease and osteoporosis.Women considering Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help fight osteoporosis should note that this may help protect their teeth as well as other parts of the body.I would like to encourage all women to take care of their oral health. Many oral diseases are preventable and the time you dedicate to protecting yourself from them will time be well spent. If you have not had a dental check-up recently, please have one. You may be surprised by what you learn.For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to [email protected] |
