Oral Health And Birth Control: What Women Should Know

Women go through different stages in their life that involve hormones. Nothing scary to talk about though. Women’s hormones affect their weight, mood, appetite, emotions, and overall well-being. A lot has been talked about birth control, but only a few talk about how it can affect oral health. Yes, that’s true! Today, there are a variety of birth control methods to choose from, each varying depending on the levels of hormones. However, these pose possible side effects that can impact the overall health of a woman including oral health. Now, the question that must be popping into your head is how exactly oral health is connected to birth control. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the right information. So, before you book an appointment with a dentist near you, it is important to read about it in detail.

How Hormonal Changes Impact Oral Health

Women pass through certain phases in their life such as puberty, PMS, pregnancy, and menopause. It is crucial to be aware of their oral health in all phases. Dentists in Aurora, ON explain that with large fluctuations in progesterone and estrogen in their system, some women experience diseases like swollen and bleeding health. Not just that, the inflammation that is associated with gum disease can actually go far beyond that and can increase the risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, certain cancers, and more.

The Hormone Connection Between Oral Health And Birth Control

Do you know that the first month you ingest the pill has the most profound effect on your body? The reason is that birth control usually includes hormones and that is the reason that women’s oral health is more sensitive during this time and they may feel agitated. However the good news is that not all birth controls are created equally, the newer pills today contain lower levels of progesterone and estrogen, so the effect on oral health is not severe. Still, women with gingivitis are usually at a higher risk of gum disease to progress when using hormone-based birth control. In case you are facing any such complications, it is ideal to book an appointment at dental care near you.

Birth Control and Oral Health: Other Factors to Consider

Smoking: Women who smoke are usually at a higher risk of several problems such as blood clotting and even dry socket after they get their wisdom teeth pulled.

Medications: Some medications can have interactions with birth control so make sure that you share all the information with your dentist before taking any.

Time: Well, the fact is that the more you keep taking hormone-based birth control, the more you are prone to the risk of having gum diseases.

Keep Up With Good Oral Health Care Habits

All in all, the best way to keep up with your gums, teeth, and mouth health is by practising good oral health care habits. Dentists in Aurora, ON recommend brushing teeth twice a day, regular flossing, using alcohol free mouthwash to clear additional bacteria. Above all, you must pay regular visits to the dentist near you to get the right information on medications including your birth control so that it doesn’t affect your oral health. Contact 4U Dental Care to book your appointment today.

Do You Have Questions About Your Dental Health?

Give us a call or email your question to Dr. Hagen Knothe or Dr. Nooshin Sotodeh.