Women and Periodontal Disease

 

Periodontal or gum disease can affect your health in many ways. Hormonal fluctuations or changes that occur during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause may affect the gums and increase a woman's risk to periodontal disease. Any pre-existing periodontal disease can become more severe.  The Bryan Dental in Bryan and College Station area is conveniently located near to the Briarcrest Walmart is the family clinic dental. 

During puberty, increased level of hormones such as progesterone and oestrogen cause increased gum sensitivity, leading to a greater reaction to food particles and the presence of plaque. The gums become swollen, turn red and may feel painful to touch.

Some women experience similar symptoms 3 to 4 days prior to their period. Others may experience menstruation gingivitis, which is characterised by bleeding gums, a bright red swelling of the gums between teeth and sores or ulcers in the mouth. The symptoms usually clear up once the period starts.

Gum diseases are due to bacterial plaque . In patients with poor immunity to bacterial plaque , there will be gum inflammation and bone loss . If left untreated, there will be loosening and eventual loss of teeth .

Gum disease is a disease of the cementum ( the layer that cover the root ) and the ligaments that attach a tooth to the bony socket. Once the tooth is removed , there is no more gum disease. However the mouth must be clean and all existing gum diseases in the mouth must be controlled.

Long term studies have shown that dental implants in patients with gum diseases are just as successful, provided patients’ oral hygiene is good and all existing gum inflammation in the rest of the mouth is treated . A regular maintenance program for professional cleaning by the dentist must be strictly enforced.