Every year on March 8 we celebrate International Women’s Day. Although it’s mostly known for celebrating and raising awareness for women’s economic, political and social achievements, we think International Women’s Day is also an important time to be shining a spotlight on women’s oral health.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2017 is #BeBoldForChange”, which is a call for women to demonstrate and inspire change in their everyday life. Women have unique oral health needs in different stages of their life and it’s incredibly important that we change bad oral hygiene habits and understand how these habits can affect women in later stages of life.

How does a women’s oral health change throughout her life?

Although on average, women visit the dentist more often than men, women are more likely to experience sudden spikes in oral health issues. As only women experience more concentrated changes in their hormones, especially during pregnancy and menopause, there are a number of oral health issues which may surface at different stages of a woman’s life.

Menstruation

Many women are surprised to find out that menstruation can have a big effect on their oral health. Some women find that their gums swell and bleed prior to their period, while some may experience cold sores and mouth ulcers. Thankfully these symptoms generally disappear once your period starts; however, it’s important to understand how these can be managed. Paying extra attention to brushing and flossing the week before your period can help to deter gum disease.

Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives can be taken for a number of reasons and will often have an effect on the levels of oestrogen in your body. As your gums have a large amount of oestrogen receptors, they become prone to inflammation and sensitivity.

Pregnancy

Although not every woman experiences pregnancy, it can have a huge effect on your oral health.  Pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis due to pregnancy hormones affecting the way the gums react to plaque. This can then lead to periodontitis, which can cause loss of tissue and bone which holds the teeth firm. During pregnancy you can minimise your risks of oral health issues by brushing at least twice a day, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring you rinse your mouth with water if you’re unlucky enough to experience vomiting from morning sickness. It’s best to keep up your regular dental checks during this time too.

Menopause

It’s never a welcome change but it’s inevitable that as you get older you will experience menopause. Along with other changes, your oral health can be negatively affected. These changes can include red or inflamed gums, oral pain and discomfort, burning sensations, altered taste sensations and a dry mouth.

How we can help

Regular dental check-ups with the team at Coastal Dental Care are the best way to maintain your oral health. A 20-minute visit every 6 months is all it takes and with over 14 practices across Northern NSW and South East QLD, scheduling an appointment is easy. To book an appointment, contact the Coastal Dental Care team.