Women's Health Closely Linked To Oral Health

Women's Health Closely Linked To Oral Health

December 30, 2015

Blog

Clackamas cosmetic dentist

For men and women of all ages, enjoying quality oral health means maintaining a regular schedule of brushing and flossing daily. At Murray Scholls Family Dental, Beaverton cosmetic dentist Dr. Scott Walker want patients to know that practicing proper oral hygiene helps to remove harmful bacteria and lingering food particles from the mouth that contribute to the development of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition to helping keep your teeth healthy and strong, a solid oral hygiene routine will also reduce your risk of developing several chronic illnesses.

In recent years, a number of studies have found links between oral health issues such as gum disease and a host of long-term health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Now a new study has also found that poor oral health can also raise a woman’s risk of developing a number of women’s specific health issues.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine have found in a comprehensive study that the female hormone fluctuation that occurs throughout a woman’s life can alter conditions in the mouth that promote the growth of bacteria. This bacteria then finds its way into the blood stream where it begins to move throughout the body and exacerbate a variety of health concerns such as preterm labor, fetal death, and bone loss.

The results of this study were published in the journal Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry.

A Compelling Reason to Brush

As part of the study, researchers from Case Western examined 61 journal articles and roughly 100 outside studies to determine whether a link exists between gum disease and hormones, and whether that link contributes to certain women’s health issues such as the side effects of hormonal replacement therapy, bone loss, and preterm births. Researchers determined after reviewing all of the information that a definite gender-specific connection exists that links a woman’s hormones, gum disease, and gender specific health issues that impact women.

While the study found that women in general take better care of their teeth and gums by maintaining a more regular oral hygiene regimen than men, researchers warn that this link means women must become even more diligent when taking care of their oral health. However, the research did show that by keeping their teeth and gums healthy, women ere better able to reduce their risk or lessen the severity of a number of gender-specific health issues.

A More Cautious Approach

After examining the data, researchers recommended that in addition to maintaining a regimen of flossing and brushing at least twice a day for two minutes at a time, women also need to schedule regular dental care appointments every six months. However, if Dr. Walker finds that a female patient suffers from gum disease or any type of gum problem, she may need to schedule appointments more frequently.

Since it’s widely known that women can experience gum problems when pregnant due to hormonal shifts, women need to make sure to take care of any oral health problems prior to trying to get pregnant. While women were formerly discouraged from visiting the dentist while pregnant, routine cleanings and checkups do not present any kind of threat to the baby’s health.

If you have any questions about the best ways to protect your oral health, ask Clackamas cosmetic dentist Dr. Scott Walker during your next appointment at Murray Scholls Family Dental.