Dental Hygiene for the 30-39 year old woman

Facts about Dental Health

• Nearly 100% of adults have dental caries according to WHO.

• Severe periodontial is found in 15-20% of 35-40 year olds. This leads to tooth loss.

• Without good dental hygiene, by the age of 65, 30% of women will have no natural teeth

• (World Health Organization, 2012)

Dental Health

• The WHO’s definition of dental health: Oral health is essential to general health and

quality of life. It is a state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial wellbeing.

(World Health Organization, 2012)

Dental Health for Women

• Women are more likely to have specific changes in dental health that are directly related to sex-hormones.

– Either stage of life changes– Or hormone replacements– Or Birth control

• Women are more likely to be diagnosed with TMJ, myofascial pain, eating disorders and Sjogren’s syndrome (dry mouth).

How hormones effect dental health

How hormones effect dental healthPregnancy

• Pregnant women have increased risk for gum inflammation due to surge of estrogen and progesterone.

• If plaque isn’t removed causes irritation and bleeding gums. This may cause pregnancy tumors (non-cancerous growths due to irritation)

• Periodontal disease increases risk of preterm and low birth weight babies.

• Vomiting from morning sickness can cause tooth erosion.

How hormones effect dental healthOral Contraceptives

• Oral contraceptives mimic pregnancy (they contain progesterone and estrogen)

• Long term use can cause gingivitis • Birth control use doubles the risk of dry

sockets with tooth extraction.

How hormones effect dental healthMenopause

• Some women experience dry mouth• Women can have changes in taste• May have burning sensations in the mouth• Gums can become sore or sensitive

Other factors that effect dental health

• Diet pills and some medications-can decrease saliva production-this increases risk for cavities

• Smoking• Unhealthy diet• Harmful alcohol use

Did you know???

• Poor dental health is linked to the four leading chronic disease!!!

–Cardiovascular disease–Chronic respiratory disease–Cancer–Diabetes

What can you do for your dental health?

• See your dentist two times per year or every six months

• Brush and floss two times per day• During pregnancy if you experience morning

sickness brush after an episode or at the minimum rinse with water.

• Increase fluid intake if taking oral contraceptives

What can you do…continued

• Menopause may seem far off but… prepare for it in the future. Get in the habit of frequently brushing teeth.

• Chew sugar-free gum-this increases saliva production.

• Decrease sugar consumption• Make sure you are drinking fluoridated water,

if not get treatments from your dentist.

Learn to brush properly!!

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=fHXOPun1cOs

References

• Academy of General Dentistry. (2012, January). Why is oral health important for

women? Retrieved from Know your teeth: www.knowyourteeth.com• Checkdent. (2011, May 16). How to brush your teeth? Learn in 4 simple step!

Retrieved from Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHXOPun1cOs• Maggy, T. (2012, October 22). The seven witches of menopause. Retrieved from

Not enough time in the day: http://tammydenningsmaggy.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-seven-witches-of- menopause-fly.html#.U08FpfldWDk

• Shutterstock. (2014, April). Beautiful woman with toothbrush. Dental care background. Retrieved from Shutterstock: http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-153342092/stock-photo-beautiful-woman-with-toothbrush-dental- carebackground.html?src=qOKdiacCTAKC9BJixiq4Xw-1-3

• The Medical Sanctuary. (2014, January). Pregnancy Care. Retrieved from The Medical Sanctuary: http://themedicalsanctuary.com.au/services/pregnancy-care/

• World Health Organization. (2012, April). Oral Health. Retrieved from World health Organization: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs318/en/