19 Jan How Your Hormones Affect Your Oral Health
Dental problems aren’t only caused by eating too much sugar or forgetting to brush your teeth. Hormonal changes can trigger dry mouth, gingivitis, canker sores, bad breath and more. And while hormone shifts during puberty can impact anyone, they’re mainly a concern for those who can experience menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
Here are five of the biggest hormonal changes and how they influence your oral health.
1. Puberty
The same hormones that make tweens start growing body hair can also affect their oral health. For example, an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels can in turn increase blood flow to the gums. This changes the way the gums react to plaque, making them more sensitive and prone to gingivitis.
If you have growing kids, remind them that they need to brush and floss every day and to cut back on sugary drinks. Otherwise, they’re at risk of developing dental problems that will follow them into adulthood. And if their gums look red and swollen or feel tender, schedule a dentist appointment.
2. Menstrual Cycle
You may notice changes to your gums in the days leading up to your period. This is because progesterone peaks just a few days before your period arrives, causing redness, bleeding, and swelling of the gums. You may also notice canker sores (AKA mouth ulcers) and swollen salivary glands (under your tongue, in front of your ears, or on either side of your jaw).
Once your period starts, these symptoms should go away. But don’t hesitate to visit the dentist if these problems persist.
3. Pregnancy
Progesterone levels also increase during pregnancy, and can cause gingivitis due to increased gum sensitivity. Pregnancy gingivitis typically develops during the second or third trimesters.
Keeping up with your daily oral hygiene—especially flossing—is very important. You might also want to use a natural mouthwash or gargle with a salt rinse. You should also visit the dentist for pregnancy-safe gum disease treatments like laser therapy or ozone therapy, as well as an extra cleaning.
4. Birth Control
Oral contraceptives don’t have the same effect on teeth as they did in the past. Older forms of birth control pills had higher concentrations of hormones that caused gum sensitivity and an increased risk of gum disease. Today, you may only notice changes to your gums for the first few months after starting the pill, so it’s important to be extra vigilant about cleaning your teeth during that transition.
Newer forms of birth control pills can cause other issues, however. For example, synthetic estrogen may lower the levels of natural estrogen in the body. Low estrogen can lead to a TMJ disorder by increasing inflammation. If you notice signs of a TMJ disorder like tension headaches, jaw pain, difficulty opening and closing your mouth, or tinnitus (ringing ears) you should see your dentist.
5. Menopause
Menopause causes a drop in estrogen that can have repercussions on your oral health. It can alter your sense of taste, make your teeth more sensitive, and cause bad breath or dry mouth. That last side effect is a significant problem, because dry mouth causes plaque buildup, which leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
An overall decrease in estrogen levels can also put you at risk for osteoporosis. Loss of bone density in the jaw often results in tooth loss, so don’t skip your dental checkups! Our digital scans will reveal any new bone loss in the jaw, and we can also help you manage gum disease with cleanings and ozone or laser therapy.
Holistic Dental Care in Prescott, Arizona
As a holistic dental practice, we consider the whole body when assessing your oral health, from hormonal changes to chronic illnesses. We’re here to help you understand what’s causing the changes in your oral health, and to offer holistic treatments in a comfortable setting.
If you have any concerns about your oral health, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment.
Photo by Bence Halmosi on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 1/18/26.