WOMEN FACE A different set of challenges than men do in caring for their gums and teeth, and they also have other benefits.
Oral Health Issues that Affect Women More
When it comes to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) diagnoses, women make up 90%. TMD can be caused by joint structure, bruxism, arthritis, stress, hormones, or vitamin deficiency. Sjörgen’s syndrome, which causes dry mouth, is another condition that disproportionately affects women. Beyond making swallowing and chewing uncomfortable and muting the sense of taste, dry mouth is dangerous for gum and teeth health.
Oral Health Versus Hormone Changes
Oral health problems can be caused by the hormonal changes of puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Gum inflammation and gingivitis become more likely, so flossing and brushing are even more essential. Bone loss and dry mouth in the jaw are associated with menopause, so it’s necessary to keep the dentist informed.
Eating Disorders
Compared to boys, teenage girls are twice as likely to develop eating disorders. Eating disorders attack oral health in two ways: weakening the oral tissues through malnutrition and (in the case of bulimia) destroying tooth enamel directly through acid erosion.
The Silver Lining
The good news is women are better than men at taking care of their teeth! Women are more likely to keep up with their regular dental visits and daily oral hygiene habits. They’re also more willing to go to the dentist when they experience tooth pain, while men might try to tough it out. Even though women are more vulnerable to certain issues, they can significantly reduce the impact by caring for their teeth.
Comments