Oral Health Matters for Women

i-MED Africa focus, educate and motivate communities through our health programs in rural communities. The most practical, simple, effective, and low-cost ways to carry out health awareness and prevention is access to health education and knowledge, this week we focus on women and oral health. There are obvious differences between men and women. But what you may not realize is that these differences extend into the world of oral health as well. Women have special oral health requirements during the unique phases in their lives.

Due to changing hormones at various stages of women’s lives, women are at risk for several oral health issues. When a woman first starts menstruating, she may experience mouth sores or swollen gums during her periods.

During pregnancy, increased hormones can affect the amount of saliva produced by the mouth.

Frequent vomiting caused by morning sickness can result in tooth decay. You can receive dental care during pregnancy, but you should let your dentist know if you’re pregnant.

During menopause, lower amounts of estrogen can increase your risk of gum disease. Some women may also experience a condition called burning mouth syndrome (BMS) during menopause.

Fast Facts on Women Oral Health and various life stages

Teenage Years: When a young woman begins to menstruate, her periods may be accompanied by mouth sores or swollen gums.

Early Adulthood: Women of childbearing age have an additional reason to practice good oral hygiene. Periodontal disease increases the risk of preterm birth with low birth weight.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, a spike in progesterone and other hormones can upset your body’s normal balance. This can result in gingivitis, too little or too much saliva, or benign, tumor-like growths on your gums called granulomas. Frequent vomiting caused by morning sickness can encourage tooth decay by dissolving tooth enamel. The best way to prevent these problems is to practice good oral hygiene. Consult your dentist or doctor with any medical concerns.

Menopause and Postmenopausal: When women reach menopause, estrogen deficiency puts them at risk for periodontal disease. Many also have burning mouth syndrome (BMS). This disorder is characterized by an unpleasant tingling sensation occasionally associated with changes in taste perception. The condition is treated with medicated creams or lozenges, or with oral medications.

Older Adults: As you age, you can become less able to chew effectively, especially if you have missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures. You may take medications that cause dry mouth. This problem can cause difficulty swallowing, which may lead to malnutrition. In addition, having a dry mouth can allow bacteria to build up, causing bad breath, gum disease, and infection.

While some groups of people may need to pay extra attention to their oral health, everyone should practice good oral hygiene.