Are Women At Greater Risk of Gum Disease?

Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are times of change for women and their bodies. Hormones change and surge, wreaking all sorts of havoc for many women. Unfortunately, these hormone changes can also leave you vulnerable to another pesky culprit: gum disease.

Changes in hormones cause your gums to be much more sensitive, making you all that more susceptible. So during these times of life, it’s even more important to make sure you’re brushing and flossing and paying close attention to any changes or abnormalities in your gums.

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is caused by the bacteria in dental plaque, which builds during the time between brushing. These bacteria can cause your gums to swell, bleed and turn dark red. They may become sensitive, but pain isn’t always a symptom, so be sure to pay careful attention. If left untreated, the bone and tissue surrounding the teeth can become damaged, which can lead to tooth loss.

If you’re at any of these stages in your life, or if you have any of the symptoms of gum disease, please call Coastal Periodontics in Portsmouth,

New Hampshire to set up an appointment with our New Hampshire Periodontist, Dr. Kate Wilson.