How It Happens

1. Your teeth start off healthy .

2. As your oral routine worsens, plaque begins to build up, leaving you with bad breath

3. Gums become irritated/swollen

4.Loss of tooth bone, gums recede (this may cause teeth to fall out!)

Good oral hygiene should be followed daily, even if the teeth and gums are healthy, to prevent infection. Proper dental care involves brushing teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day.

Visit your dentist regularly- Perception is the key in treating periodontal (gum) disease, you should see your dentist on a periodic basis, every 3-6 months depending on your individual situation for dental hygiene. The Hygienist is instrumental in removing calculus and tartar which cannot be removed by brushing alone.

How to Prevent Gum Disease:

Brush twice daily

Floss!

See your dental hygienist regularly

Don’t share saliva with people who have poor oral hygiene

Irregular visits to the dentist

Sharing food and drink

Sharing a toothbrush

Kissing

Every year on March 8 we celebrate International Women’s Day. Although it’s mostly known for celebrating and raising awareness for women’s economic, political and social achievements, we think International Women’s Day is also an important time to be shining a spotlight on women’s oral health.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2017 is #BeBoldForChange”, which is a call for women to demonstrate and inspire change in their everyday life. Women have unique oral health needs in different stages of their life and it’s incredibly important that we change bad oral hygiene habits and understand how these habits can affect women in later stages of life.

How does a women’s oral health change throughout her life?

Although on average, women visit the dentist more often than men, women are more likely to experience sudden spikes in oral health issues. As only women experience more concentrated changes in their hormones, especially during pregnancy and menopause, there are a number of oral health issues which may surface at different stages of a woman’s life.

Menstruation

Many women are surprised to find out that menstruation can have a big effect on their oral health. Some women find that their gums swell and bleed prior to their period, while some may experience cold sores and mouth ulcers. Thankfully these symptoms generally disappear once your period starts; however, it’s important to understand how these can be managed. Paying extra attention to brushing and flossing the week before your period can help to deter gum disease.

Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives can be taken for a number of reasons and will often have an effect on the levels of oestrogen in your body. As your gums have a large amount of oestrogen receptors, they become prone to inflammation and sensitivity.

Pregnancy

Although not every woman experiences pregnancy, it can have a huge effect on your oral health. Pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis due to pregnancy hormones affecting the way the gums react to plaque. This can then lead to periodontitis, which can cause loss of tissue and bone which holds the teeth firm. During pregnancy you can minimise your risks of oral health issues by brushing at least twice a day, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring you rinse your mouth with water if you’re unlucky enough to experience vomiting from morning sickness. It’s best to keep up your regular dental checks during this time too.

Menopause

It’s never a welcome change but it’s inevitable that as you get older you will experience menopause. Along with other changes, your oral health can be negatively affected. These changes can include red or inflamed gums, oral pain and discomfort, burning sensations, altered taste sensations and a dry mouth.

How we can help

Regular dental check-ups every 6 month with the team Dr.Rachita Dental Care are the best way to maintain your oral health.