Penam Periodontics - Evidence based Personalized Periodontics


Women and Periodontal Health

Throughout a woman’s life, hormonal changes affect tissue throughout the body. Fluctuations in hormonal levels occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. At these times, the chance of periodontal disease may increase, requiring special care of your oral region.

Puberty

During puberty, there is increased production of sex hormones. These higher hormone levels may increase the growth of certain bacteria within the plaque which result in the gums becoming swollen, red, and tender.

Menstruation

Similar symptoms occasionally appear several days before menstruation. Bleeding of the gums, bright red swelling between the teeth and gum, or sores on the inside of the cheek may occur. These symptoms generally clear up once the period has started.

Pregnancy

Your gums and teeth are also affected during pregnancy. Between the second and eighth month, gums may also swell, bleed, and become red or tender due to altered bacterial growth in the plaque. Rarely large lumps (Pregnancy granulomas) may appear as a reaction to local irritants. These growths are generally painless and not cancerous. They may require professional removal, but usually disappear sometime after delivery. Periodontal health practices should be part of your prenatal care. Any infections during pregnancy, including periodontal infections, can place a baby’s health at risk or increase the risk of transfer of these bacteria to the child after birth. There is some evidence that there is an increased risk of low birth weight or premature births in patients with the more severe or advanced cases of periodontal disease.

It is safe to carry out periodontal treatment during pregnancy, even within the second trimester. However radiographs and antibiotics would not be used.

Oral Contraceptives

Swelling, bleeding, and tenderness of the gums may also occur when you are taking oral contraceptives, which are synthetic hormones.

You should always mention any prescriptions you are taking, including oral contraceptives, prior to medical or dental treatment. This will help eliminate the risk of drug interactions, such as antibiotics with oral contraceptives, which lessens the effectiveness of the contraceptive.

Menopause

Changes in the look and feel of your mouth may occur if you are menopausal or post-menopausal. They include: feeling pain and burning in your gum tissue and salty, peppery, sour tastes, and “dry mouth.” Careful oral hygiene at home and professional cleaning may relieve these symptoms. There are also saliva substitutes to treat the effects of dry mouth.

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