The Smile Clinic
286 Dorest Rd
Boronia 3155
Ph 9762 5177
Information sheet from www.boronia.localdentist.com.au

Hormones and your gums

Gums or periodontal conditions are affected by hormones

Puberty

• While every parent will find this hard to believe your teenagers maybe cleaning their teeth as well as usual and still have an increase in gum inflammation – it’s their increase of teenage hormones!

Menstruation

• Bleeding, swollen gingivae and increase in tooth mobility have all been demonstrated in association with an imbalance and/or increase of hormones during the menstrual cycle.
• Most women with healthy gums experience few changes to their gums.
• Recurrent ulcers, cold sores and fungal infections may also occur associated with certain hormones in mid-cycle.
  

Pregnancy

• Pregnancy gum infections are really common (and not just because of all the morning sickness!) It was described as early as the 1880’s.
• Gum growths, known as granulomas occur in up to 10% of pregnancies. These problems increase though the eight months and then reduce following birth and the drop in hormones.

Menopause and post menopause

• Osteoporosis is the most significant problem that develops during menopause. This may cause an increased acceleration of bone loss in periodontal disease.
• With healthy gums menopause is not a gum problem.
• Postmenopausal women may complain about burning sensation, dry mouth and bad taste. A study published in 1996 reported the risk of tooth loss was significantly lower when postmenopausal women had hormone replacement.
• Postmenopausal women have unique factors that influence tooth loss. e.g. estrogen deficiency, hormone therapy and changes in bone mineral density.

Notes: