Gum Disease Possible at Any Age in Women

Periodontal diseases are a threat to women of all ages due to hormonal fluctuations that occur at various stages of their lives, found two U.S. studies.

One study looked at 50 women between the ages of 20 to 35 with varying forms of periodontitis. The study found that women who were currently taking oral contraceptive pills had more gingival bleeding upon probing and deeper periodontal pockets — signs of periodontitis — than those who were not taking oral contraceptive pills.

Our study shows that it is very possible for younger women to experience periodontal disease, study author Brian Mullally said in a statement. It is important for women to alert their dental practitioners of any medications they are taking, such as oral contraceptive pills, because it is possible that their oral health may be affected.

Another study examined 1,256 postmenopausal women and looked for a potential association between periodontal bacteria and bone loss in the oral cavity. Women with periodontal bacteria in their mouths were also more likely to have bone loss in the oral cavity, which can lead to tooth loss if not treated.

The studies are published in the June issue of the Journal of Periodontology.