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 with 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. oestrogen deficiency, hormone therapy and changes in bone mineral density.