Women and Periodontal Disease: What You Should Know

Guest article by Eduardo Lorenzana, DDS, MS

Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth (gingiva, connective tissue, and bone) caused by plaque bacteria. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in the world and advanced forms of the disease affect approximately 20 million Americans.1

Women already are faced with periods of special health needs during their lives due to both physiologic and non-physiologic hormonal variations. During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, changes in the production of female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are often reflected in the periodontal tissues (the gums and supporting bone) as increased gingival inflammation and periodontal disease. In addition, the presence of untreated periodontal disease during these periods of hormonal variation can have important consequences systemically to expectant mothers.

A study published in the January, 1999, issue of the Journal of Periodontology found that approximately 23% of women ages 30 to 54 have periodontitis. That number increases to 44% for women 55 to 90 who still have their teeth.2 Unfortunately, periodontal disease is a silent, insidious disease with few signs and symptoms. By the time women experience obvious symptoms such as pain or loose teeth, the disease is by then in an advanced state.

This article summarizes the gingival and periodontal changes that may occur at each stage of a woman's life and the steps one can take to ensure continued oral health.

Next page> Puberty and Menstruation
Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Article References

Guest Article by Eduardo R. Lorenzana, DDS, MS
Web Site: http://www.advancedperiodontics.com 

Around About.com

About.com Dentistry- Dentistry Guide, Dr. John Brooke explores dental health for patients and professionals through interesting and informative original articles, annotated links, and community resources.

Previous Features

NetLinks