Are women more susceptible to gum disease than men?
There are certain times in a woman's life when she may be more susceptible to gum disease. The changes a woman goes through, puberty and menopause among them, pregnancy and menstrual cycles also, cause hormonal changes in the body. Those changes may require a woman to adjust her diet and exercise patterns.
For instance, as we all know, pregnant women tend to snack a lot. It's important for them to avoid sugary, sticky snacks.
The changes can affect many of the tissues in the body, including the gums. The gums can become unusually sensitive and can react strongly to hormonal fluctuations. All this can leave a woman vulnerable to gum disease. Studies have also shown that pregnant women with gum disease are far more likely to deliver pre-term, low birthweight babies.
If you are a woman, talk to your dentist about any special steps you should take to maintain good oral health while going through the different periods of your life.