Hormones and Oral Health: Understanding What’s Normal for You This Women’s Health Week

Women’s Health Week 2024, focuses on health conditions that can affect women differently and getting to know what’s normal for you with regular health checks. Yet every year over 7 million women* skip regular dental visits putting them at risk.  

A national survey of Australian women found that almost 2 in 3 know they should visit the dentist every six months, but only 1in 3 do^. To turn that figure around this year we partnered with Women’s Weekly, Marie Claire & Women’s Day to launch the Healthonmics Dental Health Survey.  

What we learnt: 

• 20% of women don’t know how menopause could impact dental health 

• 2 in 3 Australian women know they should visit the dentist twice a year, yet only 1 in 3 do 

• Dental disease including tooth decay can impact nutrition, growth and development in children 

• Half of Australian women didn’t know you should wait 30mins after eating and drinking to brush your teeth 

• 90% of Australian Women know hormones can impact dental health, yet over 7 million skip regular dental checkups 

Knowing Your Body: Dental Health Matters 

Many women only see the dentist when they experience pain or noticeable issues however regular check-ups are important for identifying potential problems early and understanding what’s normal for you.  

Hormonal changes during life stages like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can impact oral health. Puberty may cause gingivitis, especially with braces, requiring extra care. Some women experience heightened mouth sensitivity before periods due to hormonal shifts. Pregnancy can lead to gum issues, increasing the risk of early birth and tooth decay from morning sickness. During menopause, dry mouth, gum inflammation, and jawbone issues are common.  

Pacific Smiles Dental is open early, late and on weekends and with our online booking tool it means you can book from anywhere in under two minutes.  We’re here to support you in balancing your health with your busy life, without adding any extra pressure. Prioritising your well-being in a way that works for you is what truly matters, and we’re here to help every step of the way. 

Tips for Optimal Oral Health 

Taking care of your oral health is an important part of overall well-being, and small, consistent habits can make a big difference. Here’s a supportive guide to help you understand and meet your unique dental needs: 

• Brush Twice Daily: It’s surprising to learn that around one in four women brush their teeth only once a day. To keep your smile bright and healthy, aim to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. This simple habit helps remove plaque and prevent cavities, ensuring you maintain optimal oral health. 
• Floss Daily: Less than a quarter of women floss every day, with some only remembering to do so before a dental visit. Regular flossing is crucial it removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline. Incorporating flossing into your daily routine, even if it feels like a small step, can significantly impact your oral health. 
• Wait Before Brushing After Eating: More than half of the surveyed women don’t realise it’s important to wait 30 minutes after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth. This brief delay allows your enamel to re-harden and reduces the risk of damage. It’s a gentle way to protect your teeth and maintain their strength. 

When was the last time you had your teeth checked? Book an appointment today, it only takes 2 minutes.  

*Are Media Healthonomics Dental Health Survey 2024, women aged 25-54
^ IBIS World Research 2024: Australian Female population 18 & Older: 10.5 Million