How birth control can affect a woman’s oral health

Women make many decisions in their lives, including the choice of when, and if, to have children. If women want to delay this journey into motherhood, they often use one or several forms of birth control to do so. Birth control sometimes includes the use of hormones to regulate the cycle and reduce the chance of fertility when it is not desired. However, hormones, and birth control as well, can impact one’s oral health and wellness. Women may notice changes during certain hormonal changes in their lives, including puberty and pregnancy, and are typically not aware of how these hormonal increases and decreases can cause them to experience problems such as gingivitis.

How do hormones impact oral health?

Women need to pay close attention to their oral health during times when hormones change dramatically. The most common times include:

• Puberty
• PMS
• Pregnancy
• Menopause

During these times, hormones will fluctuate greatly. These changes in estrogen and progesterone in the system can contribute to symptoms similar to periodontal disease, including bleeding and swollen gum tissues. In addition to this inflammation, women may be at a much higher risk of developing other medical concerns including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. This is why it is so important for women to work with their dentist to ensure their oral health is at its best—especially during hormonal fluctuations.

How can I effectively combat dental problems associated with hormonal fluctuations?

We can’t always be in control of the fluctuating hormones that we experience during certain milestones in our lives, but we can work with a dentist to ensure these changes do not impact oral health. Women should brush and floss as recommended and visit Dr. Steven E. Holbrook every six months for evaluations. Additionally, women should call their dentist at any time they notice unusual changes to their oral health, including severe toothaches or bleeding gum tissues.

Learn more about how hormones can impact your oral health

Women interested in discussing the ways in which their birth control impacts their oral health are welcome to speak to their dentist about their concerns. Call Dr. Steven E. Holbrook and his team in Albuquerque, NM at (505) 881-1159 today, and visit the practice conveniently located at 8228 Louisiana Boulevard NE, Suite C.