Birth control is a common topic for many women. The chances are that you have either been on the pill or know someone who has gone on the pill at some point in their life. Oral health and birth control pills can go hand-in-hand when it comes to good oral hygiene. This blog post by dentist Winchester will discuss what you need to know about your birth control and oral health.
The Link Between Birth Control And Oral Hygiene
Women need to understand the link between oral health and birth control because it can have an impact on your teeth which often leads to problems with tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis (a gum disease), or dry mouth. Women may find that they are more prone to getting a sore throat than usual when taking oral contraceptives.
Women’s hormones can also have an impact on the health of their mouths, depending on what type they use for birth control. Oral contraceptive pills containing estrogen may increase your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. These types of hormones cause changes in saliva production, leading to plaque buildup that can eventually result in tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Women who use progesterone-based birth control pills may experience a decrease in cavities and periodontal problems. However, they are still at risk for other oral health issues such as tooth decay or dry mouth.
How Does Birth Control Affect Oral Hygiene?
The hormonal changes that a woman’s body undergoes when on birth control can also impact oral hygiene. These hormones affect the immune system, which causes a decreased production of saliva and increased plaque buildup in the mouth. This is especially true for women who take estrogen-based contraceptive pills because these types of hormones can cause more severe symptoms. This is how birth control affects oral hygiene;
i) Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth from bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay or periodontal problems. Women need to be aware that using birth control with estrogen may increase their risk of developing gum disease.
ii) Canker Sores
A canker sore is a small ulcer on the inside of your mouth, usually near the tongue or bottom lip. Although not serious if left untreated, they are very painful to eat or drink around and are highly contagious.
If oral contraceptives increase a woman’s risk for developing gum disease, then it is likely that they will also increase her risk for developing canker sores. This is because inflammation around the gums (gingivitis) can lead to a higher risk of developing these ulcers.
iii) Dry Socket
A dry socket is a condition that occurs when the blood clot at the base of a tooth has been dislodged or pulled away. It can also happen if there’s excessive brushing with too hard of an object, such as a toothbrush made from metal bristles.
Women who use estrogen-based contraceptives are more likely to develop this problem because their natural saliva production has decreased.
iii) Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Women who use birth control are also at risk for temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ. This is a problem that can affect the jaw and result in headaches, discomfort when opening your mouth wide enough to eat food, clicking sounds with chewing or pain on one side of the face near where the lower jaw meets the skull.
Keeping Up With Good Oral Habits
If you take oral contraceptives, it is important to maintain good dental habits. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to reduce plaque buildup. You should also visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and professional cleanings.
It’s also recommended that you avoid eating sugary or high-starch foods when on the pill because these types of food can lead to cavities due to saliva production, which neutralizes the enamel on your teeth. Therefore, making it harder for your body to keep up with build-up from food particles and bacteria that cause tooth decay.
If you’re experiencing dry mouth, drink plenty of fluids or use a fluoride rinse as often as directed by your dentist. If oral contraceptives don’t seem to be helping with your dental hygiene issues, talk to your doctor about other options for birth control or any other medications or supplements you take before starting birth control pills.
It’s important for women to understand how birth control affects their oral health, so they can take action to prevent any potential dental or gum problems. If you notice any changes in your oral health, talk to a dentist about what may be causing it and how best to improve the condition of your teeth or gums.
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