Hormones and Dental Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Your weight. Your mood. Your sex drive. Your dental health. There’s one thing that can make all these aspects of your health go haywire — hormones. 

You may be surprised to learn that hormone surges may make you more vulnerable to gum disease. Here’s why: More female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) cause more blood to flow to your gums, which causes them to become more sensitive and “overreact” to anything that may irritate them. “Women are more sensitive to the presence of plaque and bacteria around the gums when the hormone levels are high,” says ADA dentist Dr. Sally Cram. “This can cause your gums to become inflamed, swell and bleed. If left untreated, ongoing inflammation in the gums can also lead to bone loss around the teeth and eventual tooth loss.”
 
Your hormones are a fact of life, but gum disease not so much. It’s actually preventable and reversible in its early stages. So what’s a woman to do? Start by paying extra attention and taking good care of your mouth during these five times in your life.

Puberty

Raging hormones can leave a teenage girl’s gums red, swollen and bleeding. (In some cases, the gums’ overreaction to plaque may cause gums to actually grow bigger.) Some teenage girls may also find themselves developing canker sores, which usually heal on their own.

The best treatment? Prevention. “Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day and see your dentist regularly,” Dr. Cram says. “Removing plaque and bacteria thoroughly every day can reduce the inflammation, discomfort and bleeding.”  

Your Period

You may not notice any change in your mouth in the days before your period. (If fact, most women don’t). But if you have swollen gums, bleeding gums, canker sores or swollen salivary glands, hormones may be to blame. These symptoms should subside after your period stops — but if they don’t, then the increased bleeding by your gums is signaling something else. Talk to your dentist if you have questions about how your monthly cycle and apparent health of your gums are related.

Stay on top of your daily dental health routine, and if you find you have more sensitivity than usual before or during your period, schedule cleanings for about a week after it ends.  

Using Birth Control Pills

Inflammation may have been a side effect for women taking birth control in the past, but today there’s good news for your gums. The levels of estrogen and progesterone in today’s birth control prescriptions are too low to cause any issues with your gums, according to a February 2013 review in the journal Periodontology 2000.  

Still, it’s important make sure your health history forms at the dentist are up to date if you are taking birth control. Here’s why:

• Your dentist may need to write you a prescription, and some medications can make your birth control less effective.
• If you’re having a tooth removed, you may be more at risk for a painful complication called dry socket. According to the June 2016 Journal of the American Dental Association, women who use oral contraceptives are nearly twice as likely to experience dry socket compared to those who do not. Of 100 women who took birth control, 13.9 experienced dry socket. Only 7.54 of 100 women who did not take birth control had this complication.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body is in hormonal hyper drive. Some women find they have developed pregnancy gingivitis — a mild form of gum disease that causes gums to be red, tender and sore. It is most common between the second and eighth months of pregnancy, and you can help keep it under control through good daily habits. “Stay on top of your brushing, stay on top of your flossing and be meticulous about the care of your entire body,” says ADA dentist Dr. Alice Boghosian. 

Visiting your dentist during pregnancy is incredibly important — and absolutely safe. In fact, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second trimester and early third trimester to help control gingivitis. If you notice any other changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist. 

Menopause

Menopause is a huge change in a woman’s life and a woman’s mouth, including altered taste, burning sensations in your mouth and increased sensitivity. “They’re all related to hormones,” Dr. Boghosian says.

Still, there are two critical changes to be aware of: dry mouth and bone loss. “Saliva cleanses the teeth and rinses cavity-causing bacteria off your teeth,” Dr. Boghosian says. “When you have dry mouth, your saliva flow decreases and you’re more at risk for cavities.”

Talk to your dentist if your mouth is feeling dry. “If dry mouth is a problem, suck on ice chips or sugar-free candy, drink water or other caffeine-free drinks and use an over-the-counter dry mouth spray or rinse to help reduce the dryness,” Dr. Cram says. “Your dentist may also recommend prescription strength fluoride toothpaste that helps reduce the risk of tooth decay.”

What you eat can also make a difference when it comes to dry mouth. Avoid salty, spicy, sticky and sugary foods, as well as and dry foods that are hard to chew. Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine can also make dry mouth worse. At night, sleeping with a humidifier on in your room can also make a difference.

Losing bone in your jaw can lead to tooth loss. “The decreased estrogen that occurs with menopause also puts you at risk for a loss of bone density,” Dr. Boghosian says. “Signs of bone loss in your jaw can be something as simple as receding gums. When your gums recede, more of your tooth is exposed and that puts more of your tooth at risk for decay. And if your mouth is dry, that’s a double whammy.”

To help reduce your risk of bone loss, work with your dentist or physician to make sure you’re getting the right amount of calcium and vitamin D, don’t smoke and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Reprint from the American Dental Association Healthy Mouth 

INFECTIONS IN THE MOUTH CAN PLAY HAVOC ELSEWHERE IN THE BODY

For a long time it was thought that bacteria was the factor that linked periodontal disease to other infections in the body; however, more recent research demonstrates that inflammation may link periodontal disease to other chronic conditions.

Research has shown, and experts agree, that there is an association between periodontal diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.

When an inflammatory condition is suspected or diagnosed, it is important to consult with both a general physician and a dental health professional, such as a periodontist. Sometimes the only way to detect periodontal diseases is through a periodontal evaluation. A periodontal evaluation may be especially important if you:

·         Have a high risk for periodontal diseases.

·         Have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis, or are thinking of becoming pregnant.

·         Have a family member with periodontal disease. Research suggests that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member.

·         Have a sore or irritation in your mouth that does not get better within two weeks.

(Source: Perio.org)

 THE MANY REASONS YOU MAY GET A CANKER SORE

 Canker sores can happen to anyone, at any age. Although simple canker sores are mostly common in the age group of 10 to 20, complex canker sores can happen at any age. Complex canker sores are rare but people with a history of simple canker sores are prone to them. Scientifically, there is still an open and unsettled debate as to what precisely causes canker sores. Unlike most other dental or oral problems, canker sores do not have a surefire specific cause. There are many arguments and speculations. While there can be some rare factors for an individual, these five reasons are the most common and widespread causes of canker sores among all and sundry.

1. Vitamin deficiency
Most problems of the skin and outermost layers of the human body in areas such as the inside of the mouth are owing to vitamin deficiencies. In case of canker sores, the specific vitamin is B-12. Kids require more vitamins than adults because they are consistently growing and the body keeps demanding more vitamins. Also, kids are the most averse to vitamins. Fruits and vegetables are not typically a dear favorite of the young guns. Thus, vitamin B-12 deficiency is rather common among kids. If this is the cause of canker sores, then taking vitamin capsules or applying the contents of vitamin B-12 capsules directly to areas where sores have developed can offer quick and painless results.

2. Nutritional deficiency
It has been noted in several studies that canker sores are either caused or triggered further when there is a deficiency of folic acid, zinc, or iron in the human body. Deficiencies of calcium can also cause canker sores, but more than causing them, calcium deficiency can worsen the situation. Healthy eating is the best solution to such a nutritional deficiency.

3. Stress/injury
Stress on the tissues or any type of injury in the mouth can cause canker sores. Since the sores are actually tiny ulcers, they can be caused by any kind of hard brushing or eating something that can cause bruises or lead to tissue inflammation in the mouth. Also, many people suffer from injuries from dental equipment such as braces. Using harsh mouthwashes or oral products that can damage the outermost layering of the mouth can also lead to canker sores. Poorly fitted dentures, brushing too roughly, not keeping the mouth clean, or using any harsh product can lead to stress or injury of the tissues and that may cause canker sores!

4. Fruits and vegetables
Ironically, some fruits that are considered to be very healthy due to their nutrients are actually not desirable when one has canker sores. Many citrus fruits are highly acidic and can cause or worsen canker sores. While it is not entirely accurate to state that fruits such as oranges, lemons, or pineapples can in and of themselves cause canker sores, they can when there is already some stress on the tissues and the surfaces inside the mouth are prone to burn or react to the acidic nature of the fruits. Strawberries, figs, tomatoes, and apples are some of the foods that should be avoided if one has canker sores.

5. Poor immune system
People who have a poor immune system are more prone to canker sores. It is difficult to find a specific correlation of immune system with canker sores and pinpoint what exactly is in one’s immunity that triggers canker sores, but the fact that the immune system cannot prevent or repair it quickly is reason enough to consider it to be a contributing factor. Besides, there is evidence that gastrointestinal problems and other diseases contribute to or cause canker sores.

Alcohol and Smoking linked to Periodontal Disease

Recently a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, found there was an increase of periodontal disease in people who drink alcohol and that the disease increases rapidly if you also smoke.

542 patients who drank and smoked were followed. The result showed the frequency of alcohol consumption correlates directly to the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease, especially among smokers. This is another factor that helps us determine the course of action to help you if you are diagnosed with periodontal disease.

Many patients are unhappy when they follow all the recommendations we give them and still they see no improvements with their periodontal disease. When this happens we will begin to look deeper to find out what else could be causing this disease to progress.

When you come in for an exam, if you drink of smoke, let us know! This could be the key we are looking for to help you with improving your oral health! Just ask Becky or Sandi and remember we are here to help you get back to good oral health!                                               

This a great recipe from our dental hygienist Becky!

BECKY'S BEST LINGUINE WITH TOMATO BASIL SAUCE

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 can  (14.5 oz.) Hunt's fire roasted diced tomatoes

1 can (8 oz.) Hunt;s tomato sauce

3-4 cloves fresh garlic roughly chopped

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

pinch or two of sugar

1/2 cup fresh basil roughly chopped

1/2 to 3/4 pound linguine or your favorite pasta

In a large skillet on low heat, pour olive oil and add the fresh garlic. Cook until the garlic looks clear. DO NOT BURN the garlic or your dish will be ruined! Add both cans of tomatows, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and sugar. Stir together until heated through. DO NOT OVER HEAT!!

Cook your pasta until al dente. Drain and add fresh basil to the pasta. Toss sauce and serve!

Hope you enjoy!

PERIODONTAL CARE IS GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR WALLET!

That's right, if your gums are bleeding and you have persistent bad breath, you may have periodontal disease. Don't ignore it!

Routine dental visits every four to six months can help keep your gums in check. This will help reduce the severity of gum disease, save your health, save time and save you money. Gum disease or periodontal disease is an infection that can lead to tooth loss and can even compromise your overall health. The bacteria can spread to other parts of your body and cause problems you may not even be aware of!

There was an analysis of insurance claims over a 4 year period that showed significant reductions in both medical and dental costs for those patients who routinely saw their dentist. This reflected the care received by those patients to reduce the impact of periodontal disease.

Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat, DMD of the University of Pennsylvania stated in her report, " These cost based results provide new and potentially valuable evidence that simple, non-invasive periodontal therapy can improve health outcomes in  pregnancy and other systemic conditions."

The result of the study showed those who went to their dentist regularly, and had treatment for periodontal or gum disease, were less likely to be admitted to the hospital for complications from the following:

• type 2 diabetes
• cerebral vascular disease 
• coronary artery disease
• pre-term birth

The report showed that those patients who received periodontal treatment had fewer claims associated with systemic conditions.

The end result? You need to make those 4 or 6 month visits with your dental hygienist! Our dental hygienists will help you recognize any periodontal issues you may have and help you resolve them. All you need to do is call and make that appointment! Call us today! 

Margaret, our dental hygienist, has a favorite recipe. Hope it becomes yours too!

ENJOY!  TRES LECHES

History: There is dispute over where it was first created. It is thought to have come from  Nicaragua by most historians. This cake is very popular in Nicaragua, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guatemala. I can find no proof of this, but the origin of the recipe is reported to come from the back of an evaporated milk or condensed milk can in Latin America to promote the use of the product. Evaporated milk and condensed milk were sold throughout Central and South America and even the Caribbean. By doing this, the company would boost their milk sales, which was probably the original idea.

Condensed milk first came into use in the mid-1850's as a way to preserve milk in cans, without refrigeration. Evaporated milk first became available during the 1870's when milk companies were able to heat the evaporated milk so that it would not spoil in the cans, thereby making the sugar unnecessary. They both became an immediate success in urban areas where fresh milk was difficult to distribute and store.

This cake probably became popular in the early 1900's. Today, the use of condensed and evaporated milk is a part of Latin American culture.

Ingredients:

Serves: 15-18

Cake

1 (18 1/4 ounce) box white cake mix

4 large eggs

1 1/4 cups water

Three milk soaking liquid

1 cup heavy cream

1 (12 ounce) can evaporated cream

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Whip all ingredients

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 350º.

2. Grease or "Pam" 9x12 baking pan.

3. Beat eggs in a large bowl.

4. Add water and cake mix and beat 3 minutes.

5. Pour batter into pan.

6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until cake has lost its jiggly center and springs back when touched.

7. Let cool to room temperature.

8. Mix the 3 milks.

9. Poke cake full of holes. A chopstick works great for this. Don't skimp on the holes; that's what allows

    the cake to absorb the milks.

10. Pour the milk mixture over the cake slowly, until it's absorbed the liquid.

11. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

12. Serve as desired. If you're serving company, you might cover the cake with whipped cream and fruit;

      you might just drizzle heavy cream over each serving; you might puree a carton of frozen strawberries

     and use that as a base to serve slices on.