Relationship between oral health and women's health

Is there a strong relationship between oral health and women's overall health?

In the case of women, an increasing number of studies link gum disease with a variety of problems that can affect their health. As gingivitis is an infection caused by bacteria, these can enter the bloodstream and become the cause of other complications:
- Heart Problems: Individuals with gingivitis are at increased risk for heart problems, with twice the chance of suffering fatal attacks.
- Stroke: A study revealed the existence of a causal relationship between oral infections and risk of stroke or also known as stroke.
- Diabetes: Diabetics are more likely to have gingivitis and in these individuals it is more difficult to control blood sugar. Gingivitis can be a risk factor for diabetics, even in individuals with controlled sugar.
- Breathing problems: Bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can reach the lungs and cause airway diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people who have gingivitis.
- Pregnancy results: Pregnant women with gingivitis may be more prone to premature births or have babies with lower birth weight. Gingivitis can also increase the level of biological fluids that stimulate childbirth.

Since gingivitis usually doesn't hurt, many women only notice that they have the problem when it's in an advanced state. The best defense is careful daily oral hygiene with good brushing and flossing, and regular appointments with your dentist.

Do oral health requirements change over time?

Women have special needs related to oral health at different stages of life. Changes in hormone levels that occur at puberty, followed by menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause make the gums more sensitive to plaque. At these stages of life, women cannot forget to brush and floss every day to avoid gingivitis.

Other important information:
- Oral contraceptives: Gum inflammation is one of the most common side effects of oral contraceptives.
- Pregnancy: Studies show that many pregnant women get gingivitis when plaque builds up on their teeth and irritates the gums. Symptoms are red, inflamed, and bleeding gums. Prenatal care is always extremely important.
- Menopause: The oral symptoms experienced during this stage in a woman's life are reddened or inflamed gums, discomfort, a burning sensation, an altered taste sensation, and dry mouth.
- Osteoporosis: Several studies suggest the existence of a relationship between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaws. The researchers suggest that this could lead to tooth loss because of the likely decrease in bone density where the teeth are inserted. Along with osteoporosis, periodontal disease accelerates the process of loss of bone structure around teeth.

Source: A Saúde Geral e Bucal da Mulher. Available at: https://www.oral-health.com.br/adult-oral-care/womens-oral-health-and-overall-health. Access on: 10/13/2021.