Hormones Can Trigger Gum Disease

October, 2005
News 14 Carolina

Women are more likely to have gum disease than men, and that has more to do with hormones than health care.

By Martie Salt

SEATTLE -- Women are more likely to have gum disease than men, and that has more to do with hormones than health care.

Jennifer Erickson suffered from a severe form of gingivitis when she was pregnant with her two children.

"It was very painful," Erickson said. "It felt like more of a needle poke in there because of the floss being up there."

Rhonda Savage, a dentist in Seattle, said: "I think part of it is because the whole body is changing and everything is growing and everything is so excited in a pregnant woman. The gums go 'Yes!' and they take off."

But it's not just during pregnancy that women feel the pain. Beginning at puberty, the gums can be tender and swollen. Menstruation can trigger bleeding gums, too, and menopause can lead to dry mouth and changes in the way things taste.

About 25 percent of women between the ages of 30 and 54 have gum disease, experts say. And it can develop into a more serious problem.

"We see patients that have periodontal disease end up with more heart attacks, more strokes, more hardening of the arteries, cholesterol issues, diabetes," Savage said.

Gum disease has also been linked to women having premature babies.

To prevent gum disease, dentists urge everyone to brush and floss every day. And don't forget to schedule regular check-ups.