Women's Health Week - Women and dental health

During Women’s Health Week (4-8 September) the ADAVB is encouraging women to make seeing their dentist a priority. Often, dental health is overlooked in terms of importance, however poor dental health can have a huge effect on our overall health.

The ADAVB is also encouraging women to speak to their dentist and to seek information on how to protect their teeth and gums during periods of hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause.

Recent ADA research findings released for Dental Health Week in August, showed that 65% of Australians hadn’t visited the dentist in 6 months1. The Australian Women and Dental Survey in 2016 found that two thirds (67.1%)2 of Australian teenage girls going through puberty don’t regularly visit the dentist.

A Jean Hailes research study launched this week found that the health condition women were most concerned about was menopause3. The ADA study found that of those entering menopause, almost half (48.9%) have experienced signs of gum disease including sensitive teeth (26.9%) and dry mouth (14.4%)2, yet 70% admitted they do not visit the dentist every six months. The study also found that over half of women surveyed avoided a visit to the dentist during pregnancy.

Dr Susan Wise, President ADAVB, said,

“Contrary to myths about dental work during pregnancy, it is very important to visit the dentist during pregnancy, as hormone changes can make gums more prone to bleeding, swelling and inflammation. These conditions can lead to an increased risk of gum disease, and in severe cases, can cause tooth loss.

Dry mouth and gum disease are common dental health issues in women going through menopause and these can be avoided or better managed through regular visits to your dentist and by following their advice to better manage your condition.”

References

1. APMI Partners, Australian Dental Health Study, December 2016.

2. Australian Women’s Oral Health Survey, March 2015, conducted by Pure Profile commissioned by the Australian Dental Association.

3. Jean Hailes Women’s Health Survey 2017. https://jeanhailes.org.au/survey2017/report_2017.pdf

Further information

ADA website:

Find a dentist

Dental health and menopause

Dental health and pregnancy

Jean Hailes Foundation:

Women's Health Week