Many people notice that their gums bleed while they brush or floss and ignore it because they believe it’s normal. The only problem is, it’s not. These are the early signs of gum disease, which recent studies have connected to a variety of women’s health problems, including breast cancer and diabetes. When you notice the symptoms of this common disease, it’s important to see your dentist in Rolling Meadows immediately, because without treatment, you could be putting your body at risk as well. Read on to learn how women’s oral health plays a major role in their overall wellbeing.
Hormones and The Gums
Starting as soon as puberty, your body produces progesterone and estrogen that helps blood circulation to the gums, causing sensitivity that may make them appear red or swollen. Some menstruating women also develop a unique form of gingivitis that may cause them to exhibit similar symptoms as early-stage gum disease, including oral sores. For pre and post-menopausal women, it’s also not uncommon to suffer from oral discomfort caused by dry mouth, pain, and changes in the way food tastes. However, these are all natural implications of hormone changes throughout life.
Gum Disease and Diabetes
Several clinical studies have noted the two-way street between gum disease and diabetes. The American Diabetes Association reported that 29.1 million Americans had diabetes in 2012. In 2014, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 13 million women had diabetes. Because diabetes impacts so many women, it’s important for them to understand how it affects their oral health.
Diabetes that is poorly controlled is known to result in side-effects such as high blood sugar and reduced blood flow to the mouth. These issues can cause dry mouth, which inhibit your body’s ability to produce saliva that naturally washes away food particles and debris that bacteria feed on. This provides them with the perfect environment to thrive in and causes plaque and tartar buildup. With controlled diabetes, it’s easier for your body to fight off harmful oral bacteria and infections.
In addition to diabetes increasing your risk of developing gum disease, uncontrolled gum disease can make your diabetes side-effects even more prominent, making your medical condition even harder to treat.
Gum Disease and Breast Cancer
A study published in 2015 reported that postmenopausal women with gum disease were more likely to develop breast cancer than women without gum disease. With a pool of over 73,000 participants in the study, 26 percent said they had gum disease. About seven years later, over 2,100 of the participants with gum disease were also diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers aren’t sure of the specific connection behind the correlation and believe it needs to be studied more. However, the lead researcher predicted that it could be the cause of the harmful oral bacteria that results in inflamed and swollen gums, travelling through the blood stream into the breast tissue.
Gum disease has a dire impact on women’s overall health, which is why diagnosing the issue early and receiving gum disease therapy in Rolling Meadows is an absolute necessity. With thorough care, you can reduce your risk of countless medical conditions, including breast cancer, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and many others.
About the Practice
At Summit Boulevard Dental, we offer the care and expertise of a general dentist, endodontist, and oral surgeon. Our team works closely together to provide each of our patients with comprehensive, thorough dental care that exceeds their expectations and optimizes their oral health. From routine checkups and cleanings to sleep apnea therapy, we work hard to look after your overall wellbeing because we understand the connection between your body and teeth and gums. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 775-683-3008.