Women
need to be more careful with their oral health as they pass through
different stages of life. These changes are directly related to
surges in sex hormone levels starting right from puberty, menstruation,
pregnancy, lactation and menopause. The gums of women become more
sensitive to plaque, the bacterial film that promotes tooth decay
and gum disease
As compared to men, women are diagnosed more with TMJ, Myofascial
pain, dry mouth, and eating disorders. If you avoid going for regular
dental visits, you may allow a condition to worsen. The key to reducing
dental complications and subsequent high bills is prevention. Regular
dental checkups are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and
gums and catching problems early.
Puberty: As the surge in hormones happens
during puberty, it may cause the gums to swell, especially during
menstruation. Herpes-type lesions and ulcers also can develop. Girls
may experience sensitive gums that react more to irritants. Many
fall prey to bulimia and this disorder include a smoothing or dissolving
of tooth enamel and a red, scratched area at the back of the throat.
Menstruation: Women face monthly hormonal
fluctuations making some of them more prone to gingivitis or cold
sores or mouth ulcers before or during menstruation. As per your
case history, the dentist may prescribe the drug for cold sores
and a topical steroid or anesthetic to treat mouth ulcers.
Birth Control Pills: Gingivitis is a common
side effect of birth control pills, and women may also develop a
dry mouth or gum pigmentation. Getting a tooth pulled (extracted)
while on the Pill is best avoided, as the estrogen in the contraceptive
can cause a painful condition called dry socket, in which the hole
left behind fails to close up. Certain drugs, such as penicillin
or tetracycline also decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Pregnancy: It's important for expectant
moms to brush and floss with care and to continue regular dental
visits for routine cleanings. It is quite common that women develop
gingivitis during pregnancy due to rise in hormone levels. Avoiding
periodontal disease is also critical for the health of an infant.
The
first trimester, the stage of pregnancy in which most of the baby's
organs are formed, is the most crucial to your baby's development,
so it is best to have procedures performed during the second trimester
to minimize any potential risk. Further, the recent studies also
show bacteria in plaque are linked to a higher risk of giving birth
to premature, low-birth weight infants. Avoid sugary snacks between
meals so that you don't gain extra weight and it helps prevent decay.
It is a myth and impossible that calcium from your teeth to be drawn
off and given to baby in the womb. Your growing baby will get calcium
from your diet; just make sure you follow your doctor's advice on
diet. Good nutrition-particularly plenty of vitamin C and B12-help
keep the oral cavity healthy and strong. More frequent cleanings
from the dentist will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis.
Most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy. If you are on
medications for some treatment(s), your dentist or physician is
the best judge to have prescribed it. Remember, the healthier your
mouth is, the healthier and happier your pregnancy and baby will
be. The chart below provided information in general the medications
that can be taken or avoided during pregnancy. Many premature babies
come into the world with serious health problems. Those who survive
may suffer life-long consequences, from cerebral palsy and mental
retardation to blindness
Nursing Mothers:
When born, baby's mouth is free from bacteria. The germs are transferred
into the baby's mouth from parents during cuddling and kissing.
It is important for parents to keep their own mouths clean and avoid
kissing on baby's mouth. Also sharing of spoons and utensils etc.
should be avoided as far as possible.
It is not known if fluoride is excreted in human milk. However,
many drugs are excreted in milk, and caution should be exercised
when products containing fluoride are administered to a nursing
woman.
It has been observed that milk bottle is the major cause of early
childhood caries so, mother should be encouraged to breast feed
the baby for the 1st year and then to go directly to cup or spoon
feeding rather than using nursing bottle.
After every feed the child should be given a sip of water to clear
residual milk from the mouth and hold the child upright there after
for five to ten minutes.
The mothers should clean the gum pads and the tongue of the infants
with a clean, wet, soft cotton cloth after every feed. A clean/boiled
soft cotton cloth is wrapped around index finger and then the upper
and lower gum pads are to be cleaned in single sweeping motion each.
After this, the position of the cloth should be changed and tongue
should be cleaned in a sweeping motion.
Mothers should know that at the time of tooth eruption, children
get itching sensation in their gums and tend to put different object
such as toys etc. into their mouth. These habits lead to various
infections and frequently result in diarrhea. Mothers should keep
a close watch on the child's activities during this time. Fruits
and rusks etc. can be given during this time to help in reducing
irritation and development of chewing habits.
It is very important to take care of milk teeth since healthy, decay-free
milk teeth create a healthy environment for the permanent teeth.
Menopause: Psychologically it is an important
stage in the life of women. Some may experience a dry mouth, burning
sensations, sensitivity to hot and cold foods, changes in the way
food tastes, or perhaps osteoporosis of the jaw. Hormone replacement
therapy can ease many of these problems
Seniors: Aging does not necessarily mean that you'll lose
your teeth. No matter what your age, good oral hygiene habits and
regular visits to your dentist are important to both your oral and
general health. You could keep all of your adult teeth, or you may
require a bridge, implants, or partial or full dentures. Follows
your dentist's recommendations. Even if you're a denture wearer,
you must follow a regimen to clean your dentures and keep your gums
healthy. In addition to helping prevent a plaque buildup on your
teeth or dentures, regular visits to the dentist will help prevent
gum disease and allow your dentist to look for signs of diabetes,
cancer, joint disorders, and vitamin deficiencies.
As the structure of your mouth is constantly changing, your dentist
will also check to ensure that your dentures keep a proper fit. If
you have difficulty holding a toothbrush, ask your dentist about items
available to help strengthen your grip or lengthen the handle of the
brush. Finally, be sure to tell your dentist about any medical conditions
that you have or medications that you're taking, since both over-the-counter
and prescription medicines can cause discoloring or other oral problems.
DRUGS TO BE AVOIDED IN FIRST TRIMSTER
OF PREGNANCY
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Statutory Warning: The information is intended
to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures and should
not be construed as specific medical advice or recommendation. The general
information provided here is not a substitute for a consultation with the
dentists. Only personal discussion of your individual needs with a professionally
qualified doctor / dentist will determine the best method of treatment suitable
for you.