Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentistry

Hormones and Periodontal Disease

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Did you know that hormones affect the gums, and women are particularly susceptible to periodontal problems? Hormone influenced gingivitis appears in some adolescents, in some pregnant women and is occasionally a side effect of birth control medications.

Before menstruation gingivitis may flare up, in some women a few days before the menstruation, when progesterone levels are high. Gum inflammation may also occur during ovulation.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can aggravated existing gingivitis, which typically worsens around the second month and reaches a peak in the eight month. Pregnancy does not cause gum disease. Any pregnancy related gingivitis usually resolves within a few months of delivery. Periodontal disease can increase the risk for low weight infants and cause other complications, it is important for pregnant women to see a dentist.

Some studies report that oral contraception's containing the synthetic progesterone desogestrel increase the likelihood of periodontal disease.

Estrogen deficiency after menopause reduces bone mineral density, which can lead to bone loss. Bone loss is associated with both periodontal diseases and osteoporosis. Bone loss in the alveolar bone (which holds the teeth in place maybe a major predictor of tooth loss in postmenopausal women. Periodontal disease is the major cause of alveolar bone loss. During menopause some women may also develop a rare condition called menopausal gingivostomatitis in which the gums are dry, shiny and bleed easily. Women may also experience abnormal tastes and sensation such as salty, spicy, acidic, and burning in the mouth.

If you have any questions, please call our office for an appt. to see Katherine or Shari at 561-394-9000.
Lea P Goldstein, C.D.A

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.