Dr. Enrico DiVito is a general and cosmetic dentist who specializes in laser dentistry at the Arizona Center for Laser Dentistry in North Scottsdale. A graduate of Arizona State University and the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, Dr. DiVito returned to Arizona and established a private practice in 1980. He founded the Arizona Center for Laser Dentistry in 2007. Here, he tells us what women need to know to protect their smiles.
Few people are discussing the topic of what separates men and women in terms of dental considerations and procedures. However, I think by virtue of the fact that women are more hormonal than men in general there might be something there.
I believe that the hormones that are more specific to women tend to make them sometimes more prone to ongoing gum issues like gingivitis than men, just as one general example of some differences that we might see in each gender’s mouths. Of course, gingivitis is something that both genders should be concerned with. But if this is something that is being caused by hormones to an extent, then it is something that women in particular should be vigilant about.
Another thing that separates women from men in terms of dental issues has to do with the issue of pregnancy. Of course, if a woman is worried about gingivitis, then she should most likely also be concerned with pregnancy gingivitis as well. There is a documented, direct correlation between the vascularity of a woman’s gums and pregnancy—so as such, it may look like a woman is starting to have the early signs of gingivitis, such as puffy gums, when what is really going on is simply that she is pregnant. So those symptoms like puffy gums could, in fact, be caused by pregnancy alone and have nothing to do with having gingivitis or gum disease. But unless a patient comes into the office, there is no way that she can make that determination as to the cause of her gum issues on her own.
Pregnancy hormones can do some interesting things to the body, and the mouth is not exempt from that. Unfortunately, there is really no way to tell if the gum issues you are personally experiencing are being caused by pregnancy or an actual issue, which is why pregnant women still need to be vigilant about seeing their general dentists on a regular basis.
Whether you are a man or a woman, pregnant or not, everyone should be checking in with their dentist on a semi-annual basis for cleaning and check ups. After all, visiting a general dentist is really your best line of defense when it comes to protecting your oral health.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
