Young children have obviously different dental needs than teens or adults, as do the elderly. How about women? Does gender matter at all when it comes to dental health. Try this true-or-false quiz to find out more about whether or not women have different dental needs than men.
Questions
Q1. True or false – Hormonal changes can affect a woman’s oral tissues.
Q2. True or false – Any dental changes for women are most likely to occur during pregnancy.
Q3. True or false – Synthetic hormones do not affect a woman’s bodily tissues.
Q4. True or false – During pregnancy gingival irritation only occurs during the first trimester.
Q6. True or false – Oral health changes are not usually an issue during menopause.
Answers
A1. True: High levels of hormones can increase gum tissue sensitivity.
A2. False: Hormonal fluctuations occur throughout a woman’s life during her menstrual cycle, but also during puberty, menopause, and while she is taking birth control pills.
A3. False: Oral contraceptives are synthetic hormones and may cause swelling, bleeding, and tenderness of the gingival tissue. Before dental treatment, alert your doctor if you are taking oral contraceptives because certain medications (including antibiotics) can decrease their effectiveness.
A4. False: Between the second and eighth month of pregnancy is when a woman’s gingival tissue can become red, swollen, and tender. Bleeding may also occur. It’s important to be diligent in oral health care during pregnancy, because any infection can put the health of the baby at risk.
A6. False: Your mouth can feel different during menopause and post-menopause as a result of hormonal changes. Dry mouth is a common complaint, but you may also experience sour, salty, or peppery tastes in your mouth, and/or pain and burning in your gum tissues.
About Dr. Foster
Dr. David Foster: Creekside Dental is a Columbia, TN native who’s served the dental needs of patients and their families in our community since 1985. If you live in Columbia, Lewisburg, Lawrenceburg, Hohenwald, Centerville, Pulaski, Spring Hill, or any of the surrounding communities, then call us today at (931) 388-3384 to schedule an appointment for your cosmetic needs.
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