Research shows that, with each of these stages of life, the rise in estrogen and progesterone increases the risk of inflammation in the gums. These increased levels cause the growth of bacteria, or plaque, which stimulates the body's inflammatory response to the plaque.
Hormones affect not only the blood supply to the gum tissue but also the body's response to the toxins (poisons) that result from plaque buildup. As a result of these changes, women are more prone to the development of periodontal disease at certain stages of their lives, as well as to other oral health problems.
Progesterone changes the rate and pattern of collagen production in gingiva, thereby reducing the body's ability to repair and maintain the gingiva. Progesterone and estrogens cause folate deficiency which also prevents gingiva repair and they inhibit the immune system.
In men, high progesterone levels will increase estrogen levels, which can result in symptoms such as depression, fatigue and the development of heart conditions. For women, high progesterone is associated with symptoms including anxiety, bloating, depression, reduced sex drive and/or weight fluctuations.
Menstruation gingivitis usually occurs a day or two before the start of the period and clears up shortly after the period has started.
Progesterone levels begin to rise after ovulation through the end of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of high progesterone are similar to premenstrual syndrome and can include anxiety and agitation, bloating, breast swelling and tenderness, depression, fatigue, and weight gain.
Yes, people with a vitamin C deficiency may be more prone to issues such as gum overgrowth, swelling, bleeding, and periodontal disease. Research suggests that people who have vitamin C deficiencies, particularly in the presence of a metabolic syndrome, are more prone to bleeding and infected gums.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency can increase inflammation, contributing to gum disease. It is found in a variety of foods, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk. Vitamin D can also be obtained through exposure to sunlight or by taking supplements.
Deficiencies in vitamin C and B vitamins are the most common vitamin deficiencies that can result in swollen gums. If you have swollen gums and you do not eat a very nutritious diet, you may want to consider that a vitamin deficiency could be the problem.
Gums may hurt in one spot if you have a sore anywhere along the gums. This can occur from consumption of hard or sharp foods, a gum abscess, or from an infection trapped within the gums. Food trapped between teeth can also exert pressure upon the gums, and if not removed by flossing, it can cause pain in the gums.
If you're going through menopause, which most women undergo between the ages of 47 and 55, you may have noticed a pronounced decline in your hormone levels, accompanied by a range of oral health effects including inflamed gums, burning sensations, altered taste sensations and dry mouth.
Examples of oral health symptoms that can be related to menopause: Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. Sore, inflamed or bleeding gums (menopausal gingivostomatitis) Food tastes different (bitter, metallic or too salty, peppery or sour)
When estrogen is too high or too low you may get menstrual cycle changes, dry skin, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, night sweats, vaginal thinning and dryness, low sex drive, mood swings, weight gain, PMS, breast lumps, fatigue, depression and anxiety.
Symptoms of low estrogen can include: Hot flashes, flushes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms of low estrogen. At times, blood rushes to your skin's surface. This can give you a feeling of warmth (hot flash).
“Women are more sensitive to the presence of plaque and bacteria around the gums when the hormone levels are high,” says ADA dentist Dr. Sally Cram. “This can cause your gums to become inflamed, swell and bleed.
Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been credited with helping women manage a range of menopause-related issues, including hot flushes, heart health and bone density, and now new research suggests HRT could be used to reduce gum disease and prevent tooth loss.
Inflamed gums can have several causes including: Plaque – Plaque build-up is a common cause of the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis. Plaque bacteria builds up on and around the teeth all the time and if it's not removed by regular brushing it can irritate the gums causing them to become red and inflamed.
Exposure to progesterone in normal amounts and in normal circumstances causes inflammation, which promotes breast development. However, exposure to progesterone in menopausal hormone therapy is known to increase breast cancer risk.
High estrogen levels can negatively impact reproductive health, have unpleasant symptoms, and escalate the risk of certain diseases [6]. Elevated estrogen levels in women have been linked to conditions such as polyps, fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis pain, and ovarian tumors [1].
Too much estrogen in the body can also cause many reproductive health conditions, such as painful periods, polyps, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), dense breast tissue, fibroids and increased endometriosis pain.