Women's Dental Health

How Hormone Variations Can Lead to Gum Problems

Female hormone variations can alter women's gums. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels often result in sensitive, tender, and even bleeding gums.

During these times, it is important for a women to take special care of her gums and teeth as the gums are much more sensitive to irritants such as plaque and food debris. Periods of hormone changes which women should be especially mindful include:

• Puberty: The surge of hormones during puberty makes the gums especially tender and sensitive to irritants. Young ladies may also experience oral ulcers as a result of the hormone surge. Over time, however, the gums will become less irritated and less sensitive to irritants.

• Menstruation: A women may experience bleeding gums and increased tenderness right before her period due to the increased levels of progesterone and estrogen. Usually the bleeding and tenderness end following the women's period.
• Oral Contraceptives: These increase the levels of estrogen and progesterone and consequently often increase gum tenderness as well.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, progesterone and estrogen levels remain elevated resulting in tender, inflamed gums. This condition generally lasts from the second or third month until the eighth month of pregnancy. Women may also experience small growths on the gums known as pregnancy tumors. These growths are not cancerous and usually go away after the pregnancy is over.

It is important to remember that during these times irritants like food and plaque can easily irritate the gums causing additional inflammation, tenderness, and bleeding. Because of this, women should pay extra attention to their oral care during these times. Remember to brush carefully at least twice a day and floss in order to completely remove food and plaque from the teeth and gums.

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Disclaimer: The information contained within is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical care. Those persons with specific medical questions should consult their dentist, doctor, or other medical care provider.