Dental News - Dental Health Week highlights oral health risks linked to hormonal changes

Dental Tribune International

Thu. 4. August 2016

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SYDNEY, Australia: As part of the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) annual Dental Health Week, which runs from 1 to 7 August and this year focuses on the way that hormones can play havoc with women’s oral health, the organisation has released alarming results from a new survey. It reported that 54 per cent of the respondents believed that it is unsafe to visit a dentist when pregnant, while 67 per cent of pubescent girls and 70 per cent of menopausal women failed to regularly visit the dentist despite experiencing dental problems.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty and menopause can make gingivae more prone to bleeding, swelling and inflammation, leading to an increased likelihood of periodontal disease and possible subsequent tooth loss, studies have shown. In this regard, the Australian Women and Dental Health Survey found that that 67.1 per cent of Australian girls going through puberty did not regularly visit the dentist and that 48.9 per cent of women entering menopause have experienced signs of periodontal disease, including sensitive teeth (26.9 per cent) and dry mouth (14.4 per cent). Yet, despite these severe symptoms, 70 per cent admitted that they had failed to visit the dentist every six months.

In addition, the survey found substantial misconceptions among women regarding how to properly take care of their dental health during pregnancy. In addition to hormonal changes, pregnant women often suffer from morning sickness and have increased snacking and sugary cravings, all of which heighten the risk of developing oral health problems. However, in the survey, every second woman believed that it is unsafe to visit a dentist when expecting. In fact, regular dental check-ups are not only safe but also important to maintain good oral health during that time of life.

“Pregnancy is a crucial stage in a woman’s life, and maintaining oral health is directly related to good overall health. Gum disease and dental damage can be managed during pregnancy as long as women take appropriate preventative steps to help protect their teeth—such as visiting the dentist on top of brushing and flossing daily,” urged Dr Peter Alldritt, a dentist and chairperson of the ADA’s Oral Health Committee, in response to the findings.

The release of the survey results come as part of Dental Health Week. The oral health campaign aims to educate Australians about the importance of maintaining good oral health in every aspect of their lives, to encourage ongoing collaboration within the dental profession and to motivate dental professionals to promote oral health.

More information can be found at dentalhealthweek.com.au.

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