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Periodontal Disease

 Women, due to the changes that occur in their bodies, i.e., puberty, pregnancy and menopause, have an increased hormonal fluctuation, as opposed to men. These hormonal changes can increase a woman's risk of gum (periodontal) disease, and as such, increase the chances of tooth loss.

Periodontal disease, or as most people refer to it, gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that slowly damages the bone and gums supporting the teeth. If untreated, tooth loss will eventually occur. The main culprit to this disease is the bacteria and its toxins found in dental plaque. Other causes are stress, smoking, tobacco use, diabetes, certain medications, a poor diet and lack of good nutrition.

In women, hormonal fluctuations cause changes in a woman's body. During puberty and menstruation, for example, the production of sex hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, increase. This increase can cause the gums to become irritated more easily and become more prone to swelling and tenderness. Terms used by some texts include menstruation gingivitis; inflamed, bleeding gums that occur right before a woman's period. As the period comes to an end, and with the decrease in the amount of the hormones, the gingivitis decreases.

During pregnancy, many women experience what has been coined as pregnancy gingivitis. It usually starts in the second or third month of pregnancy and slowly worsens by the eighth month. Women will notice bleeding, swelling, tenderness in the tissue around their teeth. What may even occur in some women is excessive growths in localized areas called pregnancy tumors. These are not cancerous in any way and are usually caused by local irritations and poor oral hygiene during pregnancy. They are removed by a professional such as a hygienist or dentist with a good dental cleaning.

Other culprits to a woman's overall gingival health are oral contraceptives. Birth control pills work by making the body of a woman mimic pregnancy. When this occurs, increasing levels of hormones cause the gum tissue to once again swell and become quite sensitive. Good oral hygiene is needed.

Lastly, during menopause, when changes occur once again, symptoms such as pain, altered tastes, and a burning sensation may occur. All of the above can be prevented by good oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing, regular professional cleanings and a healthy diet.



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