Several studies have underlined the adverse effects of contraception methods on oral health. So, what should you know if you use birth control? Read further to learn more.
What Are Contraceptives?
Contraceptives are hormonal agents (devices or drugs) that help prevent pregnancy. Categorized as short-acting reversible contraceptives or long-acting reversible contraceptives, they include contraceptive pills, injectables, skin patches, vaginal rings, hormonal implants, and intrauterine devices.
In addition, birth control pills and injectables are also prescribed to help women manage the symptoms of androgen excess and menopause. In both cases, contraceptive pills and hormonal injections increase the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body.
Does Birth Control Affect Oral Health?
The higher levels of estrogen and progesterone-induced by hormonal contraception are associated with dry socket, decreased bone mineral density, periodontitis, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Similarly, nonoral birth control (for example, medroxyprogesterone acetate and levonorgestrel implants) is linked to periodontal diseases.
On the other hand, IUDs are unlikely to have systemic effects on the body. However, hormonal IUDs raise the hormonal levels in the body and may affect oral health. If such is the case, copper IUDs are a better option.
What Are The Effects Of Birth Control On Oral Health?
The effects of birth control on oral health are:
- Dry socket
Also called alveolar osteitis, it is a painful dental issue that may happen after adult tooth extraction. In this condition, the blood clot at the tooth extraction site does not develop, dissolves, or dislodges before wound healing. Higher estrogen increases the risk of a dry socket. Therefore, women on estrogen medication are at a greater risk of a dry socket. It is because estrogen impedes the normal healing process and prevents blood clotting.
- Inflamed gums
Oral contraceptives, especially those high in progesterone, may cause gingival inflammation. This is because the body overreacts to the toxins produced from plaque. Besides, progesterone modifies the collagen production rate and pattern in the gingiva, lowering the body’s ability to renew and maintain the gingiva.
- Temporomandibular Disorders
Causing chronic facial pain, temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the surrounding nerves. The declining levels of natural estrogen because of synthetic estrogen in birth control may lead to TMD. The low levels of natural estrogen and compression within the joint caused by TMD can increase inflammation, resulting in osteoarthritis in the joint.
In addition, estrogen receptors in women’s jaws make women more prone to experiencing TMJ symptoms more acutely.
- Periodontitis
Women who actively use oral contraceptives are susceptible to periodontitis. Similarly, women with continued exposure to oral contraceptives in women and gingivitis may experience a rapid progression to periodontal disease in the absence of treatment. Therefore, consult a dentist for gum disease and periodontal treatment at La Jolla as soon as you notice the signs and symptoms of gingivitis or periodontitis, especially when taking birth control.
The elevated levels of synthetic estrogen and progesterone produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, causing inflammation, gum recession, and clinical attachment loss in severe cases.
- Gingival Hyperplasia
It refers to the enlargement of gums, causing redness, swelling, and tenderness. In a worst-case scenario, gingival hyperplasia may lead to gums covering the teeth significantly, making it difficult and painful to maintain oral hygiene and aggravating oral health istanbul anadolu yakası escort problems. Artificially increased progesterone and estrogen levels contribute to gingival hyperplasia.
How To Protect Oral Health When On Birth Control?
First, inform your gynecologist or endocrinologist if you already have any oral health conditions. To minimize the side effects of birth control on oral health, they may start with the lowest possible doses or combination-based synthetic hormones. If pregnancy prevention is the sole purpose, your doctor may suggest non-hormonal birth control methods.
In addition, observe the oral health-related signs and symptoms whenever your doctor puts you on new hormonal medication. Typically, increased sensitivity, bleeding during brushing or flossing, or discomfort while chewing or speaking are the initial signs of oral health issues because of hormonal contraception.
The Bottomline
Visit your dentist regularly so that they may examine your oral health and detect dental or gingival issues as early as possible and identify the reasons , of which birth control could be one.
Last but not least, never forget to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Maintaining oral health minimizes the risk of teeth and gum problems considerably because of hormonal birth control.
Hormonal contraceptives not only help lower the risk of pregnancy but also help with other women’s health issues caused by hormonal imbalances. Therefore, forgoing them may not be feasible for every woman. However, every woman can stay alert about the effects of hormonal contraceptives on oral health and take the necessary steps to guard their oral health.
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