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Dental Health Week: This Year’s Focus is on Women’s Oral Health

Announcement posted by Joondalup City Dental 13 Jul 2016

Emergency dentist in Joondalup reveals why this year’s focus for Dental Health Week can provide comfort to women across Australia.
Joondalup, WA, 13 July 2016 - Every year during the first full week of August, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) celebrates Dental Health Week. Dental Health Week is designed to raise awareness about dental health once a year but it also has a different theme every year, focusing on one segment of the population. This year, it the focus is on “Women and Oral Health,” which runs from 1 to 7 August.

As women go from puberty to pregnancy or menstruation to menopause, their bodies have different combinations of hormones. These hormones can have an adverse effect on oral health. This year, the ADA is educating women on what to expect during these phases of life and how to cope with the problems that often arise.

Female Puberty and Oral Health

When girls become teenagers, they begin to produce sex hormones. These are not only upsetting emotionally but can have physical ramifications on oral health, too. As estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow to the gums, it can make them more sensitive to both plaque and food particles. This can often result in a condition called “puberty gingivitis.”

The ADA recommends regular trips to the dentist, along with proper brushing and flossing. It is no surprise that these two actions are usually the best way to maintain oral health in a variety of situations.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

Pregnancy introduces a new “cocktail” of hormones and can cause a condition called “pregnancy gingivitis.” The gums can be easily damaged if immediate care isn’t taken. Pregnancy gingivitis is more common in those with previous gum problems than those who have otherwise healthy gums and good brushing and flossing habits.

Menstruation and Oral Health

Menstruation can cause problems similar to female puberty due to excess production of estrogen and progesterone. The days immediately after a period, however, can be the best times to have cleanings or extractions done because the teeth and gums tend to be less sensitive.

Menopause and Oral Health

Menopause is a situation that is the opposite of puberty: hormones begin to decrease. This can cause gingivitis, burning mouth syndrome (BMS) or dry mouth. It can also cause increased sensitivity to heat, cold and certain tastes.

How to Stay Away from the Emergency Dentist

While some of these conditions may need trips to the emergency dentist, a diligent regimen of good oral care and regular trips to the dentist can usually keep most of the aforementioned problems from producing enough pain to make an immediate trip to the dentist necessary.

Preventative dentistry can make emergency dentist trips almost non-existent over a lifetime for women and men of all ages, from children to seniors. The ADA recommends anyone who hasn’t been to the dentist for a year to make their appointments during Dental Health Week.

Joondalup City Dental provides emergency dentist services along with a full range of standard dental services such as dental implants, braces and Invisalign at their office in Joondalup. They are extremely focused on customer service and treat their patients with the same care and compassion as their family members. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (08) 9404 9500 or visit their website: http://www.joondalupcitydental.com.au/.