Oral Heathcare in Women

By Dr. Kulsum Husein

Women have special oral health needs and considerations. Hormonal fluctuations have a surprisingly strong influence on the oral cavity. Puberty, menses, pregnancy, menopause and the use of oral contraceptives also influence women’s oral heath and the way in which it is approached by individuals and dentists.

A scrupulous oral care routine needs to be followed to prevent and alleviate most of the oral changes associated with the physiological changes in a woman’s life.

This would include general dental care:-

·        Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste

·        Flossing

·        Balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre

·        Regular visits to the dentist

·        Rinsing after meals and snacking

Apart from general good oral habits, there are certain specific times when the body undergoes changes and this also affects teeth. During these times, teeth need special care.

Puberty and Menses

During this period these is an increase in production of sex hormones in the body and due to this there could be swollen/bleeding gums and bad breath. To counteract this it is important to maintain oral hygiene and supplement this with scaling/polishing of teeth by a dentist.

Menopause

During menopause, a sharp decline in hormone levels exaggerate the changes brought up by advancing age. The oral implications of this could manifest itself in dryness in the mouth or a pain or burning sensation. Recommended oral care:-  General hygiene. Oral problems occasionally respond to hormone replacement therapy.

Osteoporosis

The general condition of decreasing bone mass due to calcium related issues occurs in many women, particularly in the later stages of life. This disease also has some oral implications: the reducing bone mass makes it difficult to construct dentures, increases tooth mobility and gum diseases.

Recommended oral care:- Regular visits to the dentist to check requirement of special bone regeneration therapy.

Dental care is particularly important during and after pregnancy. Not only is it important to follow certain oral routines but also not fall prey to various myths about dental care during this time – to learn more about this, keep a look out for our next issue.