The first thing to mention when answering the question – can hormone imbalances damage your teeth? Is to emphasise the interconnectedness of everything, especially around our health and the human body. One of the negatives around our reliance on the modern medical paradigm is that we tend to see things in isolation. The scientific edifice has carved everything up into speciality fields and our comprehension of things puts them into neat little boxes. Dentistry is in one box and hormones are in another box. Of course, in reality this specialisation is an illusion and does not exist in nature.
Women & Hormonal Changes Impacting Dental Health
Therefore, hormone imbalances can produce the conditions in which damage to your teeth and oral health can occur. We long for stability in our lives and pretend that nothing much changes during our adult years, but this is another misconception. It would be fair to say that our understanding of the role of hormones is far greater in the lives of women than men. The paramount importance of reproduction in the lives of women and the substantial role hormones play in that activity makes women particularly susceptible to hormone imbalances. Indeed, it is probably unfair to even state the case in this way because the female body is creating new life at the expense of gum and dental health. What we can do, however, is to be mindful of it and take steps to reduce the risks of permanent damage.
Pregnancy & Your Dental Health
Pregnancy can increase the risk of dental problems like tooth decay, gingivitis and pregnancy epulis. Gum disease and swelling, often, occur some 3 months into a pregnancy. A lot of things swell up during pregnancy and this is the natural consequence of the condition. However, if infections occur then it is wise to seek the services of your dentist for a consultation. Stomach acid can be a problem for dental health in some instances of morning sickness, as it can erode tooth enamel. Impacted wisdom teeth and infection can, also, be a problem during pregnancy for some. There is an old wives’ tale about women losing a tooth after each child and this shows that there is often a grain of truth in these things. Make sure that you see your dentist when planning a pregnancy or if you find yourself pregnant.
Menstruation & Hormonal Changes On Oral Hygiene
The higher hormonal levels in women during menstruation impacts upon their oral health. Gum sensitivity can be raised at this time and gingivitis can occur or worsen. Bad breath can be a natural indicator of increased hormonal activity just before and during menstruation. Our bodies are always signalling what is going on if we are able to pay attention. If this is a problem, then brushing teeth and flossing can help reduce the effects of saliva changes and bacterial activity in the mouth at this time. Drink plenty of pure water and reduce the intake of sugary food and drinks for further improvements. Give up smoking if you are a smoker, as this bad habit is particularly erroneous for your dental health. Reduce your intake of alcohol, as this is another habit that has dire effects on your oral hygiene.
Menopause & Oral Health Issues
The decrease in hormonal activity generated by menopause can have some challenging effects on your oral health. Dry mouth is common for many women at this time. An unpleasant taste and/or burning sensation in the mouth are not unknown also. Sensitive gums can eventuate in reaction to these conditions. Reduce your consumption of foods that irritate and increase your dry mouth. Salty, sticky, spicy, and sugary drinks and foods just make things worse. Smoking and drinking alcohol, also, have negative outcomes that worsen your oral health. Osteoporosis can occur at this time for some and this can result in a thinning of the jawbone. Decreased oestrogen via menopause means a greater risk of loss of bone density. Tooth loss via periodontitis can occur for some women at this time. Regular consultations with your dentist during menopause is recommended.
Eating Disorders & Your Dental Health
Reinforcing that fact that everything is connected, especially around our physical health and wellbeing, it is important to take note at this time. Eating disorders that involve starving yourself and/or throwing up after consuming food can have devastating effects on your oral health. Teeth are damaged from constant contact with stomach acids present in vomit. Enamel surfaces become quickly eroded. A diet rich in diet pills reduces saliva content in the mouth, which increases tooth decay and gum disease. Drink lots of pure water and take care of your teeth assiduously if you are at risk of these things. See your dentist and get advice for best results.
Teeth: Your Finite Resource
Can hormone imbalances damage your teeth? Yes, our teeth and our bodies are in a constant state of flux and change. Unlike our conception of things, which tend to imagine things staying the same throughout our adult lives. There is a price for everything in life, it may be time or it may be the miracle of creating new life. Our bodies are shifting resources in response to the demands of such things. We must be vigilant about looking after our finite resources like the health of our natural teeth and gums. It is not a set and forget situation. Dentists do their best to assist their patients in protecting and repairing their teeth and gums, but for best results this should be done in cooperation with your strongest intentions to look after your own oral health.
