Joy Lunan DDS News

The Dental Woes of Women

Women come in all different shapes and sizes and regardless of their

form, oral hygiene is vital to the success of the female of the species.

Thanks to the XX genetic markers, women have their own unique

biological issues, health worries and conditions. This is true for every

body part, including all the features that compose their smiles.

Once facial muscles are flexed, a smile is born. While it may simply

look like teeth and gums, underneath a grin is an intricate network of

tooth enamel, pulp chamber, dentin and many other dental anatomy

components. Those parts backed by the gender specific biology puts

women at a higher risk for a multitude of dental problems than their

XY counterparts.

TMJ Sufferers are 90% Female

Approximately 10 million Americans suffer from Temporomandibular

Joint Syndrome, a.k.a. “TMJ” . Of those suffering with symptoms ranging

from headache, facial pain, jaw popping, clicking or locking, unnecessary

dental wear and tear, malocclusion and teeth grinding ~ 90 percent of them

are women.

While TMJ can be caused by facial trauma or accidents, the condition is

most closely linked to women in their childbearing years. TMJ syndrome

can cause discomfort in jaw joints, facial muscles, facial nerves and

surrounding tissues and there are several reasons why women are more

prone to developing the condition. Arthritis, hormone fluctuations, joint

structure and a dietary deficiency of magnesium are all conditions more

common in women and those factors are believed to negatively influence

women TMJ sufferers.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Both men and women can experience the fiery sensation caused by

burning mouth syndrome, however the condition is more common in

menopausal women. 'The change of life' typically affects women

between the ages 40-50 and it marks when the ovaries permanently

shut down making conception an impossibility. When the monthly

sequence of reproductive hormones comes to an end, women can

experience side effects including hot flashes, weight gain, mood

fluctuation and burning mouth syndrome.

While a burning sensation may be part of the condition, it is not the

only symptom. The feeling may also be coupled with dry mouth,

soreness, tingling or a metallic taste. Those conditions can trigger off

other problems such as sleep difficulties and depression. In menopausal

women the hormonal changes are thought to reduce the flow of otherwise

healthy saliva production and dry mouth is thought to be the trigger for

burning mouth syndrome.

Gingivitis

Courtesy of dental neglect, both men and women can develop gingivitis

regardless of their stage of life. However, statistics have indicated that

approximately 50 percent of all pregnant women develop pregnancy

gingivitis. The condition is marked by inflamed gums, potentially coupled

with tenderness and bleeding. If left untreated by a professional dentist,

the condition could develop into full-blown a periodontal disease infection.

If the impurity from the infection manages to enter the bloodstream,

the body will automatically produce antibodies and chemicals to fight of

the condition. While the battle may help a smile, it can also cause

premature labor, low birth rate and even miscarriages.

Girls, sisters, mothers and friends should all be warned about the specific

risks associated with being a woman and become properly educated on

how good oral hygiene can combat the problems. Practicing a good oral

hygiene regime of brushing twice a day, daily flossing and regular dental

exams and cleanings twice a year can help minimize the danger.

As always, we are here to help should you have any questions or

concerns.  Dr. Joy K Lunan  (203)598-7920