Welcome to the Go Smile blog! In honor of Women’s History month, this article is going to pay tribute to the very first American woman to graduate from dental school- Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor. Currently, women make up about 19% of U.S. dentists, and the American Dental Association projects that women will be 28% of the dental workforce by 2020.
Some special considerations for females when it comes to ORAL HEALTH:
֎ About our hormones…
- During our life the levels will fluctuate (especially during puberty, pregnancy and menopause the prevalence of gingivitis is more common). Menopause Gingivostomatitis appears as shiny, bleeding gums, sensitivity to temperature changes, dry or burning sensation and/or taste abnormalities
- Progesterone accelerates vascularization of immature granulation tissues, but it may also suppresses immune system cells (T-lymphocytes) during pregnancy allowing for the buildup of bacterial plaque. Dental procedures should be done after pregnancy, but if treatment is needed, the second trimester is the best time
- Estrogen can suppress granulation tissue formation. In addition contraceptives put you at greater risk for developing venous thromboembolisms and a dry socket after tooth extractions. Schedule extractions during the last week of your menstrual cycle (day 23-28) when estrogen concentrations are low. Declines in estrogen for extended time can lead to jaw osteoporosis, chronic ulcers, abnormal taste, sloughing of gum tissue or Burning Mouth Syndrome. Hormonal and vitamin therapy can help!
֎ Temporomandibular joints–
- Other stress hormones may trigger clenching and grinding of your teeth
- Females are more likely to have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) signs and symptoms, degenerative joint disease and rheumatoid arthritis
֎ Behaviors–
- Smokeless and spitless tobacco products are on the rise because of the female directed marketing. Tobacco usage is one of the major causes of head and neck cancer which may present as red or white sores that bleed easily and never heal.
- Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the USA. Besides negatively impacting immune response, it also can also effect dental outcomes leading to tooth loss, implant failures and a decreased response to periodontal treatments
Good oral hygiene is important, but so are regular dental visits and care. Now go show off what your mamma gave ya- ‘cause you’re never fully dressed without a smile!