The Week of May 13th-19th is dedicated as National Women’s Health Week, which features information women can take to achieve better health. Although you may focus on your heart or other aspects of your general well-being, you may be overlooking another vital area—your dental health. Your oral health is directly linked to your overall health. To promote both, your dentist will cater to your specific needs to protect your teeth and gums.
Women’s Dental Health
As a woman, you have specific oral health needs that men do not have to deal with, such as pregnancy and the use of certain medications, like birth control. Both factors and several others can negatively affect your oral health. To protect your smile and the role it plays in your general health, your dentist can help cater to your individual needs.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes throughout your life, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can increase your risk for certain issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. During times such as these, your dentist may recommend changes to your home oral hygiene habits or suggest an increase in preventive appointments to help protect your mouth and body from potential complications, like gum disease.
Birth Control
Contraceptives, such as birth control pills or the IUD, are known to raise estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. As a result, it can cause your gums to become red, swollen, and sensitive. It can also lead to certain complications when needing a dental treatment, like excessive bleeding during a tooth extraction. To reduce your risk for gum disease or an unexpected problem after a routine procedure, be sure to tell your dentist about any medications that you are taking.
Menstrual Cycle
A few days prior to your menstrual cycle, your progesterone levels will rise. This can cause your gums to become swollen or bleed. It is not uncommon to develop canker sores, which are small ulcers that develop in the mouth. Your dentist can help to create a personalized treatment plan to reduce your discomfort if either issue becomes an ongoing problem.
General Health
Your oral health is intertwined with your general health. When a complication in the mouth develops, like gum disease, it can cause health concerns to develop elsewhere in the body, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory infections. To protect your overall well-being, it is best to have any dental issues treated early.
Protect Your Mouth and Body
In honor of National Women’s Health Week, it is best to take a proactive approach to protect your smile. With the right care at home and from your dentist, you can promote a healthy mouth and body.
About MoreSMILE Dental Spa
At MoreSMILES Dental Spa, we are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal well-being through a healthy smile. We cater to each patient’s individual needs to create comprehensive treatment plans in a caring and welcoming environment. You will benefit from the red-carpet experience while on your journey to achieving and maintaining a healthy smile. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.