How Hormones Affect Oral Health in Women

You may be surprised to know that female hormones not only plays an important role in their physiological changes but also largely impact their oral health.

Hormonal changes have a huge impact on women’s dental and oral health, with alterations of hormonal imbalance occurring at puberty, during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and post-menopause.

Understanding Hormones And Dental Health

Hormones affect oral health of women’s, when female hormones are at high levels, they are more prone to plaque formation caused by the accumulation of bacteria around the gums.

Female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) causes increase in blood flow in their body and gums that makes their teeth sensitive to hot and cold.

During pregnancy, women tend to experience a drastic change in their oral health. During the second to eighth weeks of pregnancy, and sometimes even after the pregnancy, women experience gestational gum disease.

Menopause is the fixed stop in the hormonal roller coaster in a woman’s life. It marks the end of the woman’s fertile years and declines estrogen and progesterone. This sudden imbalance of hormones affect oral health and causes very serious dental or oral conditions.

How Parathyroid Hormones Affect Oral Health

A key regulation of blood calcium levels influences bone, kidney, and intestinal calcium absorption. When too many parathyroid hormones are released, it releases minerals and calcium from the blood that can break down the strong bones.

However, oral symptoms of hyperthyroidism are rare, but sometimes, it can cause ulcers that can be red or brown in color and can only be recognized by a dentist.

Parathyroid gland disorder can cause hypersecretion or hyposecretion of parathyroid hormones.

The most common dental issues caused by parathyroid hormonal changes are bone loss in teeth, ribs, clavicles, pelvic girdles, and mandibles.

Pregnancy And Oral Health

The most common oral health conditions related to pregnancy occur in 60 – 75% of pregnant women. Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy can make the gums respond to bacterial plaque, causing swelling and bleeding of the gums between the teeth.

Women usually avoid dental checkups during pregnancy due to fear of dental treatment, thinking that it might harm the baby. However, research has shown that getting dental checkups and treatment is safe and important for the baby’s health.

Bad oral health conditions like tooth decay and gum infection put mothers at higher risk of causing premature birth and affecting growth hormones, causing low birth weight of the baby.

Oral Problems In Pregnant Women’s

Hormonal changes in women’s body during pregnancy causes various dental and oral issues that are –

• Dry mouth
• Tooth erosion
• Gingivitis
• Pyogenic granuloma (pregnancy tumor)
• Pregnancy Gingivitis, and
• Tooth decay

Effect On Oral Health During Puberty

At puberty, girls start to experience the production of estrogen and later progesterone from the ovarian egg development that continues throughout their reproductive life.

One of the biggest changes caused by puberty is the sudden rise in hormones, which increases blood flow throughout the body. It also causes extra blood flow in the gums, leading to extensive swelling and bleeding of the gums, which is referred to as puberty gingivitis.

One of the main concerns linked with puberty gingivitis is that the symptoms may get worse and transform into Periodontitis, a serious gum disease that requires immediate dental treatment.

Impact Of Menstrual Cycle On Women’s Oral Health

Luteinizing Hormone levels rise and fall throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, which is not good or bad. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), these hormonal changes can affect your mood, weight, and dental health.

If you have ever seen your gums bleeding and swelling around your teeth, you have experienced menstruation gingivitis.

Higher hormone levels increase blood flow that can make your teeth and gums sensitive and more susceptible to irritation, bacteria, and plaque around the gumline that trigger symptoms of Gingivitis.

These symptoms usually begin a day or two before your period starts and resolve right as menstruation starts.

Menopause And Oral Health

During menopause which is a fix stop of menstrual cycle, certain hormonal imbalances, like low estrogen levels, can lead to dry mouth.

It also increases the risk of sensitivity, which is the most common issue linked to hormones and bad oral health.

Tips To Maintain Your Oral Health

Here are certain dental care tips that you can include in your oral routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy and risk-free of oral diseases, and to elevate oral health.

• Brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and at night, with soft-bristled toothpaste, and floss regularly at least once a day.

• If you can’t brush your teeth because of vomiting problems in the initial months, use mouthwash or rinse your mouth with a mixture of baking soda and water. Rinsing with water and soda can help reduce the amount of acid in your mouth.

• Visit your dentist regularly for dental checkups every 6 months (twice a year) and even during pregnancy. During your dental checkup, tell your dentist that you’re pregnant.

• Include healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, lean meat, whole-grain breads, pasta, and low-fat dairy products when you feel like snacking.

• Limit sweets and sugary foods and drink plenty of water instead of sugary and acidic drinks.

• Including healthy foods in your diet helps provide you and your growing baby with important nutrients. Nutrient-rich foods like calcium, protein, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and D will help your baby’s teeth grow healthy.

• If you’re craving things like large amounts of ice, paste, dirt, or smoking, let your prenatal provider know.

• Limit sugary food and beverages, and drink enough water to wash off your mouth each time you eat.

Conclusion

Now when you know how hormones affect oral health, it helps you maintain a healthy oral hygiene for stronger and healthier teeth and gums during hormonal changes during puberty, the menstrual cycle, menopause, and especially pregnancy.

You must focus on your oral health and take extra care to elevate it, have healthy teeth and gums, and increase your lifespan. Maintain your oral hygiene and cut unhealthy and sugary foods from your meals.

Prioritize Oral Health, Prioritize Yourself

FAQs

1. Can puberty affect my gums and teeth?

Yes! When girls hit puberty, the rise in estrogen and progesterone can cause gums to become swollen, red, and more likely to bleed  this is often called puberty gingivitis. Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly can help prevent it from getting worse.

2. Why do my gums feel sore or bleed around my period?

It’s not just in your head! Some women experience menstruation gingivitis, where hormone changes during the menstrual cycle cause gums to feel tender or bleed more easily. This usually happens a few days before your period and goes away after it starts. A soft-bristle toothbrush and flossing daily can help soothe your gums.

3. How does pregnancy impact dental health?

Pregnancy brings big changes including to your mouth. Higher hormone levels can lead to pregnancy gingivitis, which causes inflamed, bleeding gums. You might also notice dry mouth, more plaque buildup, or even “pregnancy tumors” (harmless gum growths). That’s why keeping up with dental checkups while pregnant is super important.

4. Is it safe to see the dentist during pregnancy?

Absolutely. Dental visits are not only safe they’re recommended. Regular cleanings help prevent gum disease, which has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. Just let your dentist know you’re expecting so they can tailor your care.

5. What happens to your oral health during menopause?

As estrogen levels drop during menopause, many women notice changes like dry mouth, burning sensations, or a bad taste in the mouth. These symptoms can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. Staying hydrated, using mouthwash for dry mouth, and scheduling regular dental exams can make a big difference.

6. Can hormone imbalances affect my jaw or teeth?

Yes, especially hormones like parathyroid hormone that regulate calcium. An imbalance can lead to bone loss in your jaw, which weakens tooth support and increases the risk of tooth loss. It can also lead to mouth sores and other discomforts.

7. How can women keep their mouth healthy during hormone changes?

Great question! Here’s how to stay on top of it:

• Brush and floss daily don’t skip!
• See your dentist every 6 months or more if recommended.
• Drink water throughout the day to fight dry mouth.
• Use dental products that support gum health.
• Tell your dentist about any unusual changes or discomfort.