It has been established that hormones can affect your oral health, triggering
dental problems that require special care. That's why your home hygiene
regimen and dental visits are so important.
No matter what you hear, it's not a mistake to visit the dentist while
you're pregnant! Sometimes vigilance about exposure to x-rays is confused
with a need to avoid the dentist. Often we suggest additional professional
cleanings during pregnancy since gingivitis is common as gums are more
susceptible to bacteria. Most pregnancy-related oral problems are preventable
or controlled with good oral hygiene.
After your baby arrives, an increase in progesterone can cause gums to
bleed when brushing or flossing. If you have new mom gums, be careful
about bacterial infection.
Oral contraceptives can intensify existing oral problems, encourage gingivitis,
or reduce saliva flow. Standard cleaning should prevent or solve most
problems.
New research suggests a link between female hormones during childbearing
years and Temporomandibular (jaw) Joint Disorder. (See Women And Temporomandibular
Joint Disorder below.)
Hormonal imbalances during menopause may cause dry mouth, jaw pain, or
a burning sensation in your mouth. Treatments range from oral lubricants
to hormone replacement therapy.
No matter what your stage in life, we want to keep you well. We welcome
questions about hormones and their effects on oral health.
Women And Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
If you are one of the millions of North Americans who suffers from tenderness
in the jaw _ muscles, limited jaw opening, jaws that get stuck, unexplained
facial or head pain, jaw joint grating or clicking, you may have a condition
called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or - TMD. Treating TMD has long
been a challenge, and there's no simple prescription, but recent research
seems to confirm that women are particularly susceptible and that there
is a hormonal link. According to some studies, 90% of patients seeking
relief for the problem are women of childbearing age. It has been observed
that women's lower jaws tend to be smaller which may contribute to headaches
and other forms of pain.
Here are some tips for both women and men who experience a sore jaw joint.
If the soreness continues, or if you have any of the symptoms we have
outlined, please call us for a consultation.
Don't
...chew gum for a while.
...open your mouth any wider than an inch or so. Eat smaller-sized pieces
of food.
...chew caramels, firm bread crusts, nuts, raw vegetables, or leathery
meats.
...chew ice cubes.
...jut out your lower jaw to apply lipstick or lip balm.
Do
...yawn carefully. Flaring your nostrils is better for your jaw than opening
your mouth.
...sleep on your back, rather than your side, and don't support your face
on your arms or fists.
...avoid stress. When you can't, avoid jaw clenching by holding your teeth
apart while your lips are together. ...try ASA to reduce inflammation.
(Ibuprofen can also help).
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