A Woman’s Unique Dental Needs

Women have unique health needs – and their smiles are no exception. In fact,  many stages of a woman’s life, including:

• Puberty

• Menstruation

• Pregnancy

• Menopause

can affect her oral health.

Why? Hormonal fluctuations do not just affect your body or your mood, they can affect your teeth and gums as well. The use of oral contraceptives, which also affect hormone levels, can affect awoman’s oral health as well.

Puberty

The hormone fluctuations that occur during puberty can make young women more susceptible to gingivitis. It is very important to keep up with good home hygiene and regular dental visits as young women approach their teen years.

Menstruation

Just as with the onset of puberty, menstruation causes hormonal shifts that affect the gums. These shifts can also make women more prone to painful cold or canker sores.

Pregnancy

Again, gum health is of concern with the hormonal changes during pregnancy. In fact, according to the Academy of General Dentistry,  gingivitis is the most common oral condition associated with being pregnant. It is very important, both for the health of the mother, and surprisingly, the health of the baby, that routine checkups and cleanings be continued during pregnancy– periodontal disease and other dental infections have been shown to contribute to low-birth-weight, pre-term babies.

If you are experiencing vomiting with morning sickness, it is important that you brush your teeth more frequently to prevent stomach acid from damaging your tooth enamel.

Be sure to inform our  Clinton Township dental office if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Menopause

Menopause increases a woman’s risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition that can increase the risk of tooth loss. Menopausal women may also experience an increase in dry mouth, or xerostomia. Dry mouth does more than cause discomfort or bad breath. A lack of saliva can lead to  tooth decay or other infections in the mouth. You also might not get the nutrients you need if you cannot chew and swallow certain foods.

Dr. Alex or Sophia Masters can help you develop a plan to keep your mouth healthy and looking great through all the stages of your life. Call our  Clinton Township dental office to find out more today.

About The Author

Dr. Sophia Papasifakis Masters

Dr. Sophia Masters boasts 33 years of experience in the field of dentistry. Skilled in different dental procedures, she had advanced training in several prestigious dental institutions such as the Kois Center and The Dawson Center for Advanced Dentistry. She is a professional member of several dental organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Additionally, she actively volunteers for Donated Dental Services, among others, and was an adjunct clinical faculty at Detroit Mercy Dental and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

Read The Full Bio