Periodontal or gum disease can affect your health in many ways. Read on to find out more.
Periodontal disease and general health
Women and Periodontal Disease
Hormonal fluctuations or changes that occur during puberty,
menstruation, pregnancy and menopause may affect the gums and increase a
woman's risk to periodontal disease. Any pre-existing periodontal
disease can become more severe.
During puberty, increased level of hormones such as progesterone and
oestrogen cause increased gum sensitivity, leading to a greater reaction
to food particles and the presence of plaque. The gums become swollen,
turn red and may feel painful to touch.
Some women experience similar symptoms 3 to 4 days prior to their
period. Others may experience menstruation gingivitis, which is
characterised by bleeding gums, a bright red swelling of the gums
between teeth and sores or ulcers in the mouth. The symptoms usually
clear up once the period starts.
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