Just as women experience different bodily health conditions from men; women will also experience different oral health conditions. Specifically before and after menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
Menstruation
A change in appetite during menstruation is common. But it’s not just about what you eat that gets affected but what you eat with as well. Your mouth.
Hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle may cause you to experience (or worsen if the condition pre-exists) oral health conditions such as inflamed gums and swollen saliva glands. Canker sores may develop as well.
You need to be extra vigilant about following your daily oral care routine during this period of time. Make sure you brush and floss after every meal. If you need a toothpaste specially for gum health, check this out:
If you are scheduled for a dental appointment during this time, do let the dentist know if any of the oral health issues you may be experiencing seem to be aggravated at this time so she/he can take extra care when cleaning/treating your teeth and gums.
Pregnancy
We are all aware of the major bodily changes women experience during their pregnancy. And of course the discomforts. Some of which are more apparent like the aches and pains, the hunger pangs and then the morning sickness, the back pain etc.
So whatever we don’t feel so much (or if doesn’t hurt so much) tends to take on secondary importance. But do pay a little attention to your teeth & gums.
The majority of women will experience increased plaque build-up that lead to tenderness, inflammation and bleeding of gums and increased levels of oral bacteria during pregnancy.
And we all know that we have to make regular trips to see the gynaecologist during this time, but don’t forget your regular dental appointment as well. Preferably visit your dentist at least once during your pregnancy and once after. That way, she/he will be able to record any oral health situations during your pregnancy and treat accordingly if they persist after.
One other practical tip here. Yes we all get the cravings for sugary foods during pregnancy and we know we should avoid them. Not good for health and also not good for teeth. But who can resist that double glazed jelly doughnut (or more likely a few). So at least remember to brush right after you have one and if you’re not at home, remember to at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
Check out our extensive range of toothbrushes for normal or sensitive teeth (and we’ve even got special ones if you wear braces/aligners), floss and toothpaste here https://www.pearliewhite.com/collections/tooth-gum-care
Menopause
Just as a significant change happens to your body here, the same happens in your mouth and to your teeth and gums.
Common conditions you will experience here are dry mouth, increased levels of dental plaque, inflamed gums, change in taste buds and oral discomfort akin to feeling a burning sensation in your mouth.
Additionally, many women in their advanced years, experience osteoporosis where bones become fragile and there is an increased chance of them breaking when they experience any hard impact. The same factors that cause your bones to weaken may increase susceptibility to tooth loss as well. And unlike broken bones that can heal and mend on their own, teeth cannot grow back.
So what can you do?
We all brush regularly but this is the best time to ensure that you floss (or if you prefer, interdental brushing/brushes) regularly.
Check out our extensive floss and interdental brush range for both regular and sensitive teeth, narrow and wide gaps, home-use and travel etc at the links below.
https://www.pearliewhite.com/collections/floss
https://www.pearliewhite.com/collections/interdental-brushes
Also pay particular attention to hard to reach and clean areas of your mouth. Like back teeth areas or irregular gaps/spaces in between teeth. Some find our interspace brush helpful in this regard: https://www.pearliewhite.com/collections/toothbrushes/products/interspace-brush
But MOST importantly. Regular scheduled dental examinations are a must (at very least once a year), where your dentist will help you remove plaque that resides in areas where regular brushing cannot reach. It’s also good practice to inform your dentist if you have experienced menopause and she/he will provide you advice on precautions, available treatments and supplements that you can take.