Here’s an interesting fact:  women are more prone to periodontal disease than men.  While periodontal disease can hit anyone on the face (or gums if you prefer), the hormonal changes taking place in certain periods of a woman’s life can increase the blood circulation in her gums.  This makes her gums swollen and sensitive to calculus and minute food particles which are stuck between teeth and along the gum lines.  When the gums are irritated, they are vulnerable to bacterial attacks and infection, which could give rise to the dreaded gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis resulting to teeth loss.

There are four stages in a woman’s life which could make her susceptible to periodontal disease:  puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.  During puberty, the surge in the sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can cause an increase of blood circulation in the gums.  This then increases their sensitivity to irritants, making them vulnerable to bacteria.  Menstrual gingivitis is also not uncommon among women of puberty or childbearing age.  That is why it is necessary to stress the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene as well as regular dental check ups.  Your dentist may be able to prescribe the needed periodontal disease treatment for gingivitis and other gum infection during this period of your life.

The risk of periodontal diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis is also particularly high during the second or third month of pregnancy and this could increase through the eighth month.  In some cases, pregnant women with gingivitis may feel large lumps in their gums.  These lumps are referred to as pregnancy tumors and may subside after pregnancy.  While they may not necessarily be cancerous or painful, these lumps can increase the pockets between teeth and gums and can allow bacteria to fill in.  These can, however be avoided by regular dental cleaning as well as good oral hygiene practices, such as flossing once a day and brushing at least 3 times a day.

Menopause, too are also susceptible to gum diseases and other oral health problems.  The changes in the hormonal levels among women in their menopause can cause dryness in the mouth and sensitivity to hot and cold food.  It could also cause changes in taste sensations.  Most dentists would recommend saliva substitutes to combat dry mouth and possibly gum diseases as the dryness in the mouth can increase the bacteria level in the oral cavity.  That is why increasing water intake as well as brushing teeth and flossing regularly is recommended to keep the bacteria level in the mouth at bay during this period in one’s life.