Women and periodontal diseases

There are a tremendous amount of responsibilities that fill the lives and schedules of women everyday. Working, cooking, shopping, cleaning and taking care of a family can put a tremendous amount of stress on our bodies and minds. Aside from women’s responsibilities to others, we also have the task of keeping up to date with our body’s unique health care needs as we grow and change. During puberty, pregnancy and menopause women need to take special care of themselves and seek advice throughout each stage of life from their doctor as well as their dentist. Hormonal fluctuations in a woman’s body affect a variety of tissues, including gum tissue, which increases susceptibility to periodontal dis­ease.

The “Silent” Killer

Periodontal disease results from bacteria and toxins in dental plaque that forms on teeth. If this plaque is not immediately removed, it hardens into tartar and must be removed by a dentist. The bacteria in plaque infects the gums and causes redness and inflammation, which destructs the tissues and bone that support teeth. If you notice inflammation or symptoms such as persistent bad breath, gums that bleed easily when brushed, separation between gums and teeth, development of pus between teeth and gums and tenderness, contact your dentist immediately. Common causes of periodontal diseases include tobacco, hormones, genetics, stress, medications, poor personal hygiene, nutrition and systemic diseases.

Women need to be aware that natural changes in their hormones and health can greatly affect various systems throughout their body. Many people are not aware of the connection between hormonal changes and periodontal disease, which is referred to as a “silent disease.” Often many women do not realize they have a periodontal disease until it reaches an advanced state. However, at each stage of life there are steps women can take to prevent periodontal disease.

Beginning with the early stages of growth and development, when a young woman’s body matures and produces elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen, hormones can begin to increase gums sensitivity.

During this time, gums can become swollen, red and feel tender. Women commonly experience increased gingivitis beginning in the second or third month of pregnancy that may increase in severity through the eighth month. During this time women may notice gum swelling, bleeding and tenderness. Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and pre-term, low-birth-weight babies. Any infection, including periodontal infection, is cause for concern during pregnancy. In fact, pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby prematurely.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, estrogen deficiency after menopause and consequent loss of bone mineral density has been shown to be associated with increased rate of tooth loss. These relationships may be explained by increased severity of periodontal disease in estrogen deficiency. On certain occasions a woman may also experience menopausal gingivostomatitis, in which gums may appear dry or shiny and bleed easily.

Smile Saver

The prolonged affects of periodontal disease are scary, and in some cases they can be deadly. Periodontal disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs to spread infection. The heart is one of the organs most susceptible to infection. In fact, heart disease affects more than 60 million Americans and is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Taking care of your periodontal health is a step in the right direction to a long, healthy lifestyle. By visiting a dentist on a yearly basis, brushing daily and correctly, eating healthy and being aware of changes or unusual symptoms in their bodies, women can avoid being at risk to periodontal disease.

Additionally, taking a daily Vitamin D supplement is just as essential as calcium for healthy teeth and bones. According to the Journal of Periodontology, vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is made by the body through casual and minimal sun exposure. Both vitamin D and calcium counteract deficiencies and reduce bone resorption. Numerous studies indicate that vitamin D and calcium deficiencies result in bone loss and increased inflammation. Inflammation is a well-recognized symptom of periodontal diseases, which is why it has been suggested that calcium and vitamin D deficiency may also be a risk factor for periodontal diseases.

The combination of healthy gums, a healthy body and a healthy heart play vital roles in maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.

by Marian Edalat