Women more prone to gum disease.
Periodontal (gum) disease comes from bacteria and toxins in dental plaque that forms on teeth. If this plaque is not removed immediately it hardens into tartar and a dentist must remove it during routine teeth cleaning.
The bacteria in plaque infects the gums and causes redness and inflammation, which destroys the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. As a result the gums separate from teeth and cause infection. Common causes of periodontal disease include tobacco, medications, genetics, stress, poor personal hygiene, nutrition, systemic diseases and for women, hormones.
For the most part, women take much better care of their oral health than men do; however, women’s oral health is not markedly better than men’s. This is because women’s hormone levels fluctuate throughout various stages of their lives, affecting many tissues in the body including the gums. As a result, women are more prone to gum disease, in many cases at a much younger age.
Throughout a woman’s life, her body goes through hormonal changes that can affect mood and health, and result in more sensitive gums due to increased hormone levels. Pregnancy can also increase the gums’ sensitivity, and pregnant women often experience more tenderness and bleeding around their gums. This is known as gingivitis, and is most cases can lead to periodontal disease if not treated.
Because periodontal disease is often a ‘silent’ disease, many women do not realize they have it until it reaches an advanced state. Prevention and early detection is the key.
Practicing good oral hygiene is key to a healthy smile. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and regular flossing will go a long way in preventing gum disease. More importantly, regular check-ups and hygiene appointments with your dentist play an instrumental role in prevention and early detection of gum disease.
