Dr. Rupali Jakhade, Smile Care, Nashik.

It is always said that good oral health leads to good health. Generally women are more conscious about their oral hygiene than men but they have more dental problems. It is due to the hormonal changes occurring in various stages of their life such as in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal changes makes the gums more sensitive to local irritants like plaque and increases the risk of periodontal disease, generally known as “gum disease”. It is a ‘silent disease’ that means it does not cause any pain in initial stages so women generally do not aware of having any problem in their mouth. It is recognized only when it goes to its advanced stage. Hence extra care and attention is required to maintain the health of gum and teeth.

Puberty

Prior to puberty, the incident of gum disease is very low in girls. During puberty, there is rise in oestrogen and progesterone level causing gum swelling and inflammation and also there is alteration in immune function. In rare cases at this stage girls may be affected by ‘Juvenile periodontitis’ which is rare condition causing rapid bone loss adjacent to some teeth.The regular dental checkup is recommended.

Menstruation

Some women may find swollen and bleeding gums or cold sore or canker sore, swollen salivary glands prior to the menstruation.Generally these symptoms disappear once periods start. Dentist may prescribe special cleaning gum treatment or topical anesthetics to ease any discomfort.

Oral contraceptives

Inflamed gums are one of the most common side effects of the Oral contraceptives.

Inform your dentist that you are on the contraceptives. Some medications prescribed by dentist like antibiotics can lessen the effect of contraceptives.

Pregnancy

In pregnancy the maternal health and nutrition affects the oral health of the unborn child. Vitamin A and Vitamin D deficiencies may result in disturbances in baby’s tooth development and these teeth further may be prone to childhood decay.

In pregnancy, especially in second to eighth months, inflamed gums are the most common finding. Due to the increased hormonal levels, the reaction of gums to the local irritants like plaque increases causing red, puffy, tender gums.
Occasionally, tissue overgrowth may appear on gums called ‘pregnancy tumor’ in second trimester. They can be surgically removed after the baby is born.

Other problems like bad breath may also occur. Cavities related to the acidic environment due to morning sickness also can be seen.

Follow these steps to take better care of oral health.

• Get the dental check up done. Get the teeth cleaned and all the dental work required should be done.
• Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste by keeping the bristles at the junction of tooth and gums as here the disease starts.
• Floss daily to remove the interdental debris as tooth brush does not reach there.
• Limit the number of times you eat sweet or starchy snacks each day to reduce the acid attacks. Sugar and soda intake may cause cavities. Eat more fruits and vegetables.Follow the advice of your health care professional.
• The need for calcium is more for baby’s teeth and bones. Calcium can be found in milk, cheese, dried beans and leafy green vegetables.

Menopause

Many physical changes can be seen in mouth after menopause like burning sensation, altered taste sensation (mostly to salty, peppery or sour food), dry mouth due to decreased salivary flow and greater sensitivity to hot and cold.

Osteoporosis also known as ‘porous bones’ can be seen after menopause. If the jaw bone is affected sever bone loss can be seen.

Salivary substitutes may be helpful to reduce dryness. As well as vitamin C and B complex supplements can be given.

Care of baby’s teeth

Women as a mother should take care of baby’s oral health.Check out for fluoride contain of water as fluoride makes teeth more strong and resistant to caries.Avoid putting baby to bed with bottle as any fluid other than water (milk, Juices) can cause caries.

Take care of your own oral health as you can pass on cavity causing germs to the baby’s teeth. This can happen by sharing and/or tasting baby’s food or letting baby stick her fingers in your mouth, the unfilled cavities may pass the germs to baby.

Start cleaning baby’s teeth since the single tooth emerges in mouth. Brushing should be done at least twice a day.

Regular dental check up is necessary.