Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that at least 47.2% of Americans over the age of 30 have mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis, which is the advanced stage of gum disease? Overall, these studies indicate that rates are higher in men than they are in women (56.4% vs. 38.4%). However, research shows that there are certain times in every woman’s life where she becomes particularly susceptible to gum disease and its symptoms. Not only is periodontitis the leading cause of tooth loss, but it’s also been linked to other serious other serious health concerns in a woman’s body. Here’s what your dentist in Rolling Meadows wants you to know about the connection between women’s health and gum disease.
Hormones Influence Your Gum Health
Hormonal changes can influence lots of factors, from your weight, to your mood, to your oral health. An increase in female hormones like estrogen and progesterone boosts blood circulation, which can cause your gums to become particularly sensitive to the presence of plaque and bacteria. This sensitivity means your gums may become swollen, bleeding, and inflamed, increasing your risk of gum disease and the severity of its symptoms. To protect your oral health, take extra care to keep your mouth clean when your hormonal levels change, especially:
- During puberty and menstruation
- While taking oral contraceptives
- Between the 2nd and 8th months of pregnancy
- After reaching menopause
Gum Disease and Women’s Health Issues
The overall effects of this gum infection has been studied for a long time, but there’s still a lot to learn about it. However, researchers have linked gum disease to several serious health conditions in women, including:
- Pregnancy complications. The bacteria at the root of gum disease can get into the blood stream and cross the placenta, creating toxicity in the womb.
- This condition causes bone loss, which can make the deterioration of the jawbone connected to periodontal disease much faster and more severe.
- Breast cancer. Studies show that postmenopausal women with gum disease have a 14% higher risk of breast cancer, and a 36% higher chance if they smoke as well.
Thankfully, gum disease can be kept under control with the help from your trusted dentist. If you or a woman you love has periodontal disease, gum disease therapy in Rolling Meadows can clean out the infection, protect overall health, and restore a happy, healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Ye Wang is a preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentist based in Plum Grove, IL. She is a graduate of the Beijing University of Dental Medicine as well as the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. To help you safeguard your overall health and combat periodontal disease, she offers personalized treatment plans, including gum disease therapy. If you’d like to know more, she can be contacted at her website or at (847) 221-5860.