A beautiful smile is key to your health!

I don’t think people truly realize how important and essential oral health is to their overall health. This is especially true for women’s health. I didn’t realize how much of an impact being a woman has on my oral health until I had my wisdom tooth out recently. In preparing for this, I did some research and found out that it’s best to have your wisdom tooth out right before your cycle begins, 23-28 days to be exact. Who knew? Thankfully, the date I chose fell right between those days! Here’s my other new found fact: if you are taking birth control pills, you are more likely to experience dry socket. How crazy is that? I was extremely blessed that I didn’t get dry socket because every woman I spoke to said they got it and it was extremely painful. It is so hard being a woman!!

There has actually been a great deal of research conducted that shows a link between poor oral health (gum disease) and adverse health issues affecting women. Because gum disease is a bacterial infection, it can enter the bloodstream and may be a factor in causing other health complications such as heart disease, stroke, pregnancy, diabetes and respiratory problems.

As women we should be aware of the special oral health changes we face throughout our lives. Our changes with hormone levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause enhance the way gums react to plaque. During these times, it critical that women thoroughly brush and floss every day in order to prevent gum disease. Here is important information related to women’s health and oral health that you should know:

• Menstruation — some women find that their gums swell and bleed prior to their periods, while others experience cold sores or canker sores. These symptoms usually go away once your period starts.
• Oral contraceptives — inflamed gums are one of the most common side effects.
• Pregnancy — studies show many pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis, when dental plaque builds up on the teeth and irritates the gums. Symptoms include red, inflamed and bleeding gums. Prenatal care is especially important. Gum disease may also trigger increased levels of biological fluids that may induce labor.
• Menopause — oral symptoms experienced during this stage of a women’s life include red or inflamed gums, oral pain and discomfort, burning sensations, altered taste sensations and dry mouth.
• Osteoporosis — a number of studies have suggested a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Researchers suggest this may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports teeth may be decreased. When combined with gum disease, osteoporosis speeds up the process of bone loss around the teeth

Remember, brush, floss and have check-ups/cleanings regularly to prevent gum disease and other forms of bacteria in your mouth.