4 Changes in Women's
Dental Health in Costa Rica
Women have special dental health needs during unique phases in their lives. Changes in female hormone levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause exaggerate the way gums react to plaque, which is why we explain 4 changes in women’s dental health in Costa Rica.
In those times, women have to be especially careful when brushing, in order to prevent periodontal disease.
Each stage of a woman’s life requires specific dental care. Hormonal changes during adolescence, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause make the gums more vulnerable to the action of bacterial plaque.
This is because variations in sex hormones can affect the response of the immune system to certain oral bacteria, as well as facilitating their development.
Women's dental health during menstruation
Some women find that their gums become swollen and bleed before their periods, while others experience cold sores or thrush. These symptoms usually disappear when the menstrual period begins.
This type of gingivitis may persist past adolescence in the form of menstrual cycle-associated gingivitis, which is characterized by noticeable signs of gum inflammation during the days before ovulation due to increased hormone concentrations. It is usually noticed by slight bleeding during brushing.
Additionally, for women using contraceptives, oral contraceptives have gum inflammation as one of the most common side effects.
Dental health of women in pregnancy
Pregnancy involves a series of organic and behavioral changes that can have an impact on the oral cavity, causing an increased risk of caries and gum disease in women.
Therefore, when a woman plans to become pregnant or knows about her pregnancy, she should request a check-up visit with her dentist who will indicate if she has any pathology and will carry out the necessary preventive treatments.
Studies show that pregnant women experience gingivitis, when dental plaque builds up on the teeth and irritates the gums. Symptoms include red, swollen and bleeding gums. Prenatal care is especially important.
Major hormonal changes during pregnancy directly or indirectly impact oral health. The inflammatory response of the gums to bacterial plaque is greater and, in addition, periodontitis or peri-implantitis are related to possible alterations such as premature birth and low birth weight children. Therefore, it is of vital importance to prevent periodontal diseases at this stage.
What care is necessary during pregnancy?
- Use a specific toothbrush with soft filaments that respect the gums.
- Use toothpaste with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action.
- Complete oral hygiene with interproximal brushes, dental floss and dental tapes.
- Rinse at least once a day with mouthwashes containing antiseptics such as cetylpyridinium chloride, which prevents inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
- Reduce the intake of sweet and acidic foods, as they favor the creation of bacterial plaque.
Women's dental health during menopause
Dental symptoms experienced during this stage of women’s lives include red or swollen gums, oral pain and discomfort, burning sensation, altered taste sensations and dry mouth.
Menopause produces hormonal changes that also cause oral symptoms:
- Periodontal diseases: The chances of developing gum disease and that it derives to severe stages such as periodontitis increases significantly.
- Dry mouth: The drop in estrogen levels can cause a decrease in saliva.
- Burning mouth syndrome: common disorder characterized by a painful burning sensation affecting the tongue, lips, palate and gums.
Dental health of women with osteoporosis
A number of studies have suggested a relationship between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw, because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased.
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by a decrease in bone density, with tissue deterioration and increased bone fragility, leading to an increased risk of fracture.
This disease especially affects postmenopausal women, as osteoporosis occurs more frequently in women after menopause (over 50 years of age). According to studies, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis require more dental care than women without the disease.
The loss of teeth or edentulism is caused by a decrease in the bone density of the mandible and maxilla and the consequent resorption of the alveolar bone, where the teeth are inserted.
Women's dental health in Costa Rica
All women go through different stages throughout their lives as previously mentioned, however it is very important to always be clear about why they experience dental diseases in these stages and the correct way to prevent them.
In Costa Rica, there is a great quality of dentists and dental clinics, but the big mistake of many people and women, is to wait until they have some symptoms of dental disease to attend and seek a solution, when the best solution is prevention.
Among the advice that Lamicq Dental Care gives, is to schedule preventive appointments or annual dental cleanings to at least give an assessment of the dental health of the person and take preventive measures in case of having any condition.