Menstrual cycle

What’s going on?

During menstruation some women are not aware of any changes in their gums at all, while others complain of oral bleeding and swollen gums in the days before their period. These symptoms usually go away once menstruation begins. Other possible oral changes include cold sores, canker sores and swollen salivary glands.

Fixes

As in puberty, good oral hygiene is important in reducing inflammation. More frequent cleanings may make sense in women who experience severe gum symptoms. Over-the-counter topical (like Anbesol) or systemic pain relievers (like ibuprofen) may help with symptoms from cold sores or canker sores, but in some cases women should see their dentist or medical doctor for prescription medications to help keep these problems in check.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy

What’s going on?

Hormonal and circulation changes that are part of pregnancy often change the body’s inflammatory response to plaque and other irritants and lead to an increased chance of gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs in 60 to 75 percent of all pregnant women. Changes in gum health are most noticeable from the second month of pregnancy, reaching a maximum in the eighth month, and are more common in front teeth than back teeth.

Pregnancy may also cause tumor-like growths that form in areas of frequent irritation, in-between teeth, or in areas of poor oral hygiene with plaque or tartar buildup. This gum tissue growth is called a pregnancy tumor or pregnancy granuloma and occurs in up to 10 percent of pregnant women. These purplish-red to deep blue growths often grow rapidly but usually don’t become larger than one inch across.

Although gum changes are the most common changes with pregnancy, there are a number of other less common changes that women may deal with:

• Hormones do not contribute directly to cavities, but they do cause an increase in appetite and often a craving for unusual foods, sometimes in the middle of the night. At night, saliva production is decreased, and women are less likely to brush after these “midnight snacks” — this leads to an increased chance of cavities.
• Acid erosion can occur as the result of repeated vomiting associated with morning sickness or acid reflux.
• Some pregnant women complain of dryness of the mouth due to hormonal changes.
• A very small number of pregnant women start making too much saliva. It usually begins two to three weeks into their pregnancy and may lessen at the end of the first trimester. In some cases, it continues until the day of delivery.

Birth control

What’s going on?

Birth control pills can increase a woman’s inflammatory response, similar to what is seen in pregnancy, causing gums to be redder and swollen and to bleed more easily. However, most studies done with birth control pills were done when the medication had much higher levels of hormones than most that are available today, so these symptoms may be a thing of the past. A recent clinical study looking at the effects of birth control medications in young women found these hormonal agents to have no effect on gum tissues. As far as their effect on saliva, the reviews are mixed — some studies have shown an increase and some have shown a decrease in salivary flow. Women taking birth control may also experience a higher chance of getting dry socket following extraction of wisdom teeth.

Fixes

As with other hormone related gingivitis, good home oral hygiene combined with professional cleanings should help manage symptoms.

Menopause

What’s going on?

After a woman’s reproductive years, there is a five to 10 year period of menopause-related changes in hormone patterns. These patterns end in a sharp decline of hormone levels. Thirty to 50 percent of women have no symptoms as they go through this phase of their life. Oral discomfort including pain, burning sensations, changes in taste and dryness of the mouth have all been reported with menopausal hormone changes.

Fixes

For women experiencing dryness, drinking more water and using sugarless candy or gum will be soothing. Any burning or painful sensations should be examined by a dentist to rule out other non-hormone related causes.