When Are Women More at Risk for Oral Health Problems?
There are five situations in a women’s life during which hormone fluctuations make them more susceptible to oral health problems – during puberty, at certain points in the monthly menstrual cycle, when using oral contraceptives, during pregnancy and at the menopause. Puberty The surge in production of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone that occurs during puberty can increase the blood flow to the gums and change the way gum tissue reacts to irritants in plaque, causing the gum tissue to become red, tender, swollen and more likely to bleed during brushing and flossing. The monthly menstrual cycle Due to the hormonal changes (particularly the increase in progesterone) that occur during the menstrual cycle, some women experience oral changes that can include bright red swollen gums, swollen salivary glands, development of ulcers or bleeding gums. Menstruation gingivitis usually occurs a day or two before the start of the period and clears up shortly after the period has starte
