EuroPerio11 offers focus on women's oral health

European Federation of Periodontology

Tue. 19. November 2024

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VIENNA, Austria: Women’s oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile—it is a critical aspect of overall well-being that is often overlooked or misunderstood. From puberty to menopause, hormonal changes can significantly influence oral health, affecting everything from periodontal disease risk to overall systemic health. Women’s oral health is relevant to pregnancy complications and chronic illness, yet it remains under-discussed and insufficiently researched. More information on this vital subject will be presented at EuroPerio11 next May in a special session.

Exploring the link between women’s oral and general health

In a press release by the European Federation of Periodontology, Prof. Lior Shapira, scientific chair of EuroPerio11, the 2025 edition of the leading congress in periodontics and implant dentistry, emphasised the importance of women’s health: “Women’s health has unique considerations that are often overlooked in discussions about general health, including oral health. Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life—from puberty to menopause—can significantly impact [on] oral tissues. For example, fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone can increase a woman’s susceptibility to periodontal disease or exacerbate pre-existing conditions. The EuroPerio11 scientific committee recognised the need to shed light on these gender-specific factors, emphasising how oral healthcare for women requires tailored approaches at different life stages. A dedicated session titled ‘Women’s oral health—time to explore’ will raise awareness and encourage oral health professionals to adopt a more personalised, holistic approach when treating female patients.”

Prof. Shapira explained that, while many oral health professionals may have a basic understanding of how hormonal changes during women’s lives can influence their oral health, a gap in comprehension of the full extent of these effects persists: “Few professionals are trained to recognise and treat the periodontal implications of pregnancy or menopause. The intricacies of how these life stages impact [on] oral tissues are not always covered in standard undergraduate and postgraduate dental education, so this area requires more focused research, training and awareness.”

Understanding women’s oral health through the life stages

Oral health affects the overall health of women, particularly during key life stages such as pregnancy and menopause. Hormonal changes influence periodontal health, increasing the risk of inflammation and periodontal disease, which in turn can have broader health implications, including potential risks during pregnancy. Periodontitis onset often coincides with menopause, reflecting how hormonal changes during this time affect oral health.

Prominent expert Prof. Purnima Kumar, who will moderate the special session on women’s oral health at EuroPerio11, highlighted the need for more research and greater awareness: “We are learning more about women’s health all the time. For example, we are discovering how a mother’s health can affect her baby’s future oral health. Untreated periodontal disease during pregnancy can have serious consequences, not only for the mother but also for the child. By properly treating one generation, we are impacting [on] the following one. The session at EuroPerio11 offers a unique opportunity to explore these critical issues.”

Prof. Kumar explained that because women were long excluded from research and no specific studies were aimed at understanding the unique needs of women, there is a lack of data in this regard. She said, “Women go through specific hormonal changes during menstruation, reproduction, pregnancy, lactation, [in vitro fertilisation], menopause and hormone replacement. We hope this session will shine a light on the specific needs of women’s oral health and encourage oral health professionals to investigate and take these differences into account while treating women.”

“Down the line, with more data, we will probably need dedicated guidelines and better treatment algorithms for women. In the era of personalised medicine, it is important to begin by considering that women need special care at different stages of their lives. We need to take women’s oral health seriously, and this session is a good start,” she continued.

Promoting collaboration between healthcare professionals

Prof. Shapira concluded: “The key messages are that, for men and women, oral health is not isolated from the rest of the body and that we need to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach in dentistry. Health professionals should adjust their treatment strategies accordingly. Awareness is crucial: proactive oral health is needed at all life stages. Women in particular should be empowered with knowledge about how their oral health may change over time and what they can do to maintain it.”

The interconnected nature of oral and systemic health calls for greater collaboration between dental professionals and other healthcare providers. By addressing the oral health needs of women, healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in promoting overall well-being. Tailored oral health advice, timely dental care and effective communication between gynaecologists, general medical practitioners, dentists and patients are essential in fostering healthier outcomes for women.

Join us at EuroPerio11 to learn more

EuroPerio11 will be taking place from 14 to 17 May 2025 at the Messe Wien Exhibition and Congress Center in Vienna. The session titled “Women’s oral health—time to explore”, scheduled for 15 May 2025 at 16:30, will explore the unique relationship between women’s general health and oral health throughout the different stages of life. This special session will feature three expert speakers: Dr Orly Nir Shapira on menopause and oral health, Prof. Nagihan Bostanci on pregnancy’s effect on the oral microbiome and Prof. Egija Zaura on women’s health and the microbiome.

The European Federation of Periodontology invites all healthcare professionals and media representatives to join this essential session on women’s oral health at EuroPerio11. This is an opportunity to learn from leading experts, engage in discussions and understand how oral health intersects with overall health at every stage of a woman’s life.