How often do you brush your teeth? Do you really brush it twice a day? Probably not. Because 55% of Indians don’t. If you are one of them, know this - avoiding oral health and hygiene can lead to several complications, especially in women. Their hormonal imbalance makes them more prone to dental infections.
That's why oral health and hygiene awareness is very important. Through this article, you will learn how oral care impacts women's health and what measures you can take to avoid associated medical conditions.
First, let's understand what is health and hygiene in oral care.
Oral health and hygiene -
Most people confuse oral care as simply brushing your teeth. But that's not it. Oral health and hygiene includes cleaning your entire mouth, including teeth, gums, and tongue. Ignoring any one of them could like to problems like cavities, gum diseases, and even tooth loss.
You need to maintain proper oral health and hygiene to avoid all these problems. You might not know that dental problems can allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream and lead to fever. That's why oral care is of utmost importance.
Impact of oral care on women’s health
When it comes to women's health, hormones play a vital role. You'll be surprised to know that changes in hormone levels at various stages of a woman's life impact their oral health.
· Puberty - In puberty, there's a surge in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels. This increases the blood flow to your gums. Because of that, your gums might look swollen and red. You might even feel tenderness in the gums. This opens you up to bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
· Menstruation - Your hormone levels are changing throughout your menstrual cycle. But just before your periods, progesterone levels are the highest. This triggers changes like - swollen gums, swollen salivary glands (located under your tongue), bleeding gums, redness in gums, mouth ulcers, etc. However, these symptoms typically go away once your period starts.
· Pregnancy - Pregnant women can suffer from pregnancy gingivitis. It's a condition where your gums are inflamed due to constant high levels of progesterone hormone in pregnancy. A sticky layer of bacteria forms on your gums and causes them to become tender, swollen, and red. It’s more prominent in the second to eighth month of pregnancy. You might need more frequent professional dental cleanings to prevent this from happening.
· Menopause - The rate of oral issues is comparatively lower in women with menopause because the hormone levels are very low. However, menopausal women can experience oral changes like - burning feeling on the tongue, increased sensitivity of gums, altered taste, decreased saliva production, dry mouth, etc. These changes can also cause gum disease if left untreated.
Preventative measures for oral health
Now that you know why health and hygiene are important, it's time to take steps to prevent that. Here are some preventative measures to consider -
· Daily routine
Brushing - Brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after meals. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid gum bleeding and fluoride toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel and fight cavities. Use gentle, circular motions to clean all tooth surfaces and along the gumline.
Flossing - Floss your teeth daily to remove food particles and plaque lodged between your teeth and along the gun lines. Slide the floss between each tooth in back and forth motion for proper cleaning.
Mouthwash - After brushing and flossing your teeth, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. This will eliminate most bacteria in your mouth and prevent bad breath. Don't skip any of these steps because each has a unique purpose. No one step can do the job of the other.
· Dietary habits - For oral health and hygiene, limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. They create an acidic environment in your mouth, which can contribute to tooth decay and erosion. So, avoid sugary foods like chocolate, toffee, cold drinks, ice creams, etc., or at least eat them in limited quantities.
Benefits of oral care for women
The importance of health and hygiene isn't just about a pearly white smile. It's an investment in your overall health. Here are some benefits of oral care for women -
· Reduced risk of dental problems - With the above-mentioned practices, you can reduce the risk of dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
· Enhanced overall health - Research has shown that oral infection can lead to systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, bacterial pneumonia, and low birth weight. However, with proper care, these can be avoided, diminishing overall health risks.
· Fresh breath - If you usually have a bad breath after you eat or when you wake up in the morning, it's due to poor dental hygiene. Using mouthwash, along with other practices, will solve this issue.
· Improved confidence - With good oral hygiene, you get better-looking teeth, healthy gums, and rid of bad breath. It automatically promotes a healthy smile and boosts your confidence.
Proper oral care will improve your dental health, reduce the risk of other systemic diseases, and reduce bad breath. All of this is possible if you brush, floss, and rinse your teeth regularly and avoid certain foods.
If you experience symptoms like bleeding gums or toothache regularly, visit a healthcare professional. They might recommend professional cleaning every few months or give personalized medications.
It's a good idea to get an insurance plan that covers dental health so you don't have to spend a lot out of your pocket. Future Generali has great women's health insurance, HEALTH POWHER, which includes dental care. Take a look at it today!
