In the past couple of years, I have developed gum issues at certain parts of my cycle. Before I realized they were due in part to my hormones, I was really confused as to what was going on.
Now I know!
If you are noticing gum problems that are seemingly random, it could be caused by your hormones too. Read on for more information about it.
Gums and a woman’s hormones
As most people already know, hormones are responsible for a lot of different physical and mental symptoms. They rule us!
If they can influence many parts of us to do all types of things, why not have our gums be on the list? I mean sure, why not bleed from absolutely everywhere each month?!
The cause of bleeding, sore and/or swollen gums during certain parts of a woman’s cycle is that of having high levels of two hormones-estrogen and progesterone. When they are surging, blood flow increases in the gum area. This can cause irritation if there is any plaque or bacteria around the gums at all.
The days in a cycle that women are more likely to have gum issues are 11-14 (estrogen is very high) and 19-23 (progesterone is very high). Other hormonal related events that can cause this include pregnancy and menopause.
What to do when gum issues arise
There are diseases that cause gum issues. These include gingivitis (mild gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease). The latter can cause tooth loss if it is left untreated.
If you are practicing good oral hygiene, the gum issues are probably only because of the hormones. If you are not practicing that good of oral hygiene, you may want to consider that gum disease combined with the hormones are to blame. Either way the following are things you can and should do when gum problems occur:
- Keep up good oral hygiene: It is important to brush and floss twice a day.
- Reduce the amount of pain when you are brushing your irritated gum areas: If you are experiencing a lot of gum discomfort due to hormones (and/or gum disease), you can try using a brush with softer bristles. There are also special toothpastes for sensitive teeth that you can use.
- Seeing the dentist at least once a year: This is important so that if there is a problem aside from hormones that are causing the gum issue, they can catch it and help you out.
- Swish with warm salt water after brushing: This can help soothe your irritated gums.
- Use a mouthwash that is formulated to help with gum disease (if you think this is a ongoing problem): Some good ones include Listerine Gum Therapy, GUM PerioShield and TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse.
My gum issues
There are certain times of the month where my gums like to “act up.” I have good oral hygiene so it used to be disheartening to not know the cause of it.
What happens is that I go to brush my teeth and then there is so much soreness in my gums that I can barely touch the brush to my teeth without wincing. Lots of bleeding also occurs at this time and makes the sink look pretty gory- like I was stabbed or something.
This issue happens about four times during my menstrual cycle. I am glad to know that it is not due to something serious like gingivitis as the idea of tooth loss scares me! I will continue to take care of my oral health like usual (brushing, flossing and using Listerine Gum Therapy mouthwash at least twice a day) and just get through the bloody days.
Lots of strange hormonal symptoms
Over the years you may experience random physical and mental things that pop up on certain days of your cycle. This gum issue is one of the things that may occur- but do not worry! It is something that can usually be treated easily.
Do any of you have gum issues like I do at certain times of your menstrual cycle?
Thanks for reading!
#womenshealth #hormones #menstrualcycle #hormonalimbalance #dentalhealth #gingivitis #gumdisease #oralcare #periods #ovulation
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