05 Jul Hormones and Gum Disease
Did you know that hormonal changes can affect your gum health? It’s true; fluctuations in hormone levels increase blood flow to the gingiva, which can make them more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. The problem of hormonal fluctuations affecting gum health disproportionately affects women. The best way to protect your dental health through times of hormonal changes is to practice great oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
When can hormonal changes affect my gums?
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly increases in estrogen and progesterone, can have an impact on your gums. Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause cause hormonal surges that could negatively affect the gingiva.
What should I do to protect my gums during hormonal changes?
Knowledge is power. Knowing that your hormones can affect your gums is a great step in protecting your oral health. During times of hormonal changes, it is important to properly and thoroughly brush and floss. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing every day just before bedtime.
When brushing, be sure to do so gently. Keep in mind that it takes about two minutes to thoroughly clean your mouth. In addition to brushing each tooth meticulously, you should also brush your gums, the insides of your cheeks, your tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Brushing soft tissue will help control plaque, which plays a big role in gingival irritation.
Flossing should never be overlooked. This important step of your oral hygiene routine disrupts bacterial colonization at the gum line and cleans deep between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
Limiting sodium intake and drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps, too. We recommend limiting or avoiding sugary and acidic foods as well since they can affect bacterial growth and your oral pH.
Lastly, protecting your gum health also involves keeping regular appointments for checkups and cleanings. You should see your dentist twice a year to ensure that potential concerns are detected in their earliest stages.
If it’s time for a checkup or cleaning, give our team at Aesthetic Dental Partners a call to reserve an appointment.