During Women’s Health Month, your oral health is probably the last thing you’re thinking about. Growing amounts of research have connected gum disease, the most common oral health problem for women, to other health problems. Learning how your oral hygiene needs change throughout your life due to fluctuating hormone levels can help reduce your risk of developing serious illnesses and diseases. Attending your regular dental checkup in Lincoln can ensure that your oral health is up-to-par. Read on to learn how your hygiene needs differ at different stages if your life.
How Do Your Oral Health Needs Change Throughout Your Life?
Due to fluctuating hormone levels, you have special oral
hygiene requirements at certain times in your life. Be sure to thoroughly look
after your teeth and gums to prevent gum disease and reduce your risk of other
health problems:
- Puberty
and Menstruation: If you’re going through puberty or menstruating, you may
notice that your gums are swelling or bleeding. You can also experience cold
and canker sores before you start your period. Don’t worry though, this will
usually go away once you start menstruating.
- Menopause:
During menopause, you may experience oral symptoms such as irritated gums, oral
pain, burning sensations, or dry mouth.
- Pregnancy:
Studies show that many pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis. This is
due to excessive amounts of plaque buildup under the gumline and on teeth. It
can cause your gums to become irritated and bleed.
Other factors that can affect your health include
experiencing bone loss due to osteoporosis or taking oral contraceptives. While
taking birth control, you may experience inflamed gums.
How Can Your Dentist Help You Keep Up with Your Health?
By simply attending your semi-annual
checkup and cleaning with your dentist in Lincoln, you can reduce your risk
of developing certain illnesses linked to your oral health. Because gum disease
is a bacterial infection, it can enter your bloodstream and affect other parts
of your body:
- Women with gum disease are twice as likely to
develop heart disease and are at a
higher risk of having a heart attack. Heart disease has also been found to be
the number one cause of death for American women.
- Pregnant women who have developed gum disease
are most likely to go into early labor
and have a baby born too small.
- Because gum disease is a bacterial infection, it
can travel to your lungs and cause respiratory
issues like pneumonia.
You can reduce your risk of developing gum disease by seeing
your dentist for checkups and cleanings. During these visits, your dentist or hygienist
will clear plaque and tartar that can’t be removed with a regular toothbrush.
Because gum disease is mostly painless, it’s hard to spot
until it has reached its more advanced stages and can’t be reversed. This Women’s
Health Month take the first step in taking care of your overall health by scheduling
your semi-annual visit with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Reed has been creating healthier smiles since
1993. She offers her patients truly comprehensive care, offering everything from
checkups and cleanings to dental implant treatment. As a highly trained
professional, you’re sure to feel comfortable in her care. For any questions or
to schedule your regular visit, visit Smile Specialties’ website or contact 402-488-5007.
