Quality care from sea to shining sea.

Are you there, Oral Health? It’s Me, Margaret.

Too bad Judy Blume never wrote about teeth.

Changes in sex steroid hormones during puberty, pregnancy and menopause greatly impact the risk of inflammation in the gums and the health of gums, jawbones and teeth.

I’m not Judy Blume, but if I were trying to inspire women of all ages to take control of their oral health, I’d offer a few tips:

Puberty. An influx of hormones during puberty can cause girls to suffer from red, swollen and bleeding gums – the telltale signs of gingivitis.¹

Periods. Menstruation brings hormonal fluctuations that affect every part of the body, including the gums.

Pregnancy. Seeing the dentist during pregnancy is not only safe, it is critical. There is evidence to suggest that maternal periodontal disease is associated with low birth weight and/or preterm birth.²

Post-Menopause. During menopause, the body slows down production of estrogen and progesterone, sending the body into a flurry of new sensations, including chronic dry mouth, which can mean a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.³

In each of these phases of life, your dentist will partner with you to monitor and treat any changes in your oral health.

No, Judy Blume never wrote about teeth. But, she made generations of young women smile. Now, it is up to all of us to keep those smiles healthy throughout life’s journey.

Until next time,

Dr. Carolyn Ghazal, DDS