In recognition of oral hygiene month, we would like to highlight female oral health and hygiene. Did you know that changes in female hormones can impact your oral health, which may require changes in your oral hygiene? We reference several American Dental Association (ADA) online articles that describe the oral symptoms that can occur in female puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, and the oral hygiene habits that can help counteract these symptoms.
Puberty
Symptoms:
According to the ADA Mouth Healthy article, “Hormones and Dental Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know,” any increase in estrogen and progesterone can cause increased blood flow to the gums, which in turn can cause gums to become inflamed, swell, and bleed. Some teenage girls may also develop canker sores in response to hormones, which usually heal on their own, adds the article.
Hygiene:
The same ADA Mouth Healthy article says that the removal of plaque and bacteria thoroughly every day can reduce inflammation, discomfort, and bleeding during this period. For this reason, it is recommended that girls at this stage brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and see their dentist regularly.
Menstruation
Symptoms:
The ADA Mouth Healthy article says that it is possible to experience swollen gums, bleeding gums, canker sores, or swollen salivary glands during menstruation, though these usually subside after your period stops. It cautions that if bleeding doesn’t stop, then it is time to see your dentist.
Hygiene:
The above article recommends consistency with your usual oral hygiene routine during menstruation. If you experience more sensitivity than usual before or during your periods, you can schedule cleanings about a week after it ends, says the article.
Pregnancy
Symptoms:
The Mouth Healthy article explains that some women develop pregnancy gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease that causes gums to be red, tender, and sore. This is most common between the second and eighth months of pregnancy. The ADA News article, “Do life stages affect oral health in women?” adds that the higher levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can increase the risk of oral infections and can impact the healing process after some dental procedures. This article adds that gingivitis has been linked to preeclampsia, preterm deliveries, and low birth weight in studies.
Hygiene:
The ADA Mouth Healthy article explains that your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second and early third trimesters to help control gingivitis. In addition, staying on top of good oral hygiene as well as the overall care of your entire body is essential, especially in light of possible morning sickness and changes to diet during pregnancy, adds the article.
Menopause
Symptoms:
The Mouth Healthy article notes two major symptoms that can occur during manopause—dry mouth and bone loss. Saliva is what helps to rinse cavity-causing bacteria from your teeth, so a decrease in saliva can make women of this age more at risk for cavities. Bone loss at this age can impact bone density, and can manifest in receding gums, making your teeth more at risk for decay. The ADA News article, “Maintaining good oral health through menopause,” says that there is also an increased risk for periodontal disease, burning mouth syndrome, mouth soreness, and oral yeast infections during menopause. All of these possible symptoms can begin during perimenopause as well.
Hygiene:
The Mouth Healthy article recommends several solutions to help combat mouth dryness in menopause, such as drinking water or other caffeine-free drinks, and using over-the-counter dry mouth sprays or rinses to reduce dryness. It also advises to avoid salty, spicy, sticky, and sugary foods, or foods that are hard to chew. In addition, it says that alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine can make dry mouth worse.
The ADA News article, “Maintaining good oral health through menopause,” recommends brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice per day and flossing regularly, eating a balanced diet with a high intake of calcium and vitamin D, and possibly increasing the frequency of dental visits.
The oral health of females is unique because of the potential for specific female hormone fluctuations. Our hope is that you are now more prepared to identify possible hormone-related symptoms you may be having, and that you are now equipped with proactive hygiene habits in order to combat them.
References:
ADA Mouth Healthy. Hormones and Dental Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/female-hormones-and-dental-health. Accessed October 3, 2025.
ADA News. Do life stages affect oral health in women? https://adanews.ada.org/huddles/do-life-stages-affect-oral-health-in-women. Accessed October 3, 2025.
ADA News. Maintaining good oral health through menopause. https://adanews.ada.org/huddles/maintaining-good-oral-health-through-menopause. Accessed October 3, 2025.