Remember to Take out Your Dentures Every Night

If you've noticed that your gums are sensitive, sore, or more likely to bleed during or just before your periods, you're not alone. Women all over the world are likely to experience a condition called menstruation gingivitis while on their periods. If you're having gum symptoms during or just prior to your periods, you could be one of them. Read on to discover more about this condition and how you can combat it.

Hormones

The main culprit behind menstruation gingivitis is the hormone levels in your body. When a period approaches, levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body surge, then decline. When this hormone shift occurs, it can cause inflammation in the tissues throughout the body. 

This is typically one of the causes of having tissue pain all over the body, like in the lower back. However, it doesn't stop there, as even the gums can become swollen, inflamed, and more likely to bleed while levels of estrogen and progesterone are high.

Thankfully, for most people, this problem wears off after a matter of a few days. However, that doesn't mean that you have to take the symptoms lying down.

Underlying Problems

People who have pre-existing gum disease going into a period are more likely to experience discomfort, pain, or bleeding. Think of it this way: if you have gum disease, your gums are already inflamed and irritated. 

When the hormones take effect, that irritation becomes worse. It's understandable then, that if you have even a mild form of gum disease prior to experiencing hormonal shifts, those shifts will make your symptoms worse.

Making it Easier

There are a few easy steps you can take to make it easier on yourself and your gums when that time of the month approaches.

One of the first things you can do is to see a dentist to have any gum disease you may already have treated. Even if it typically doesn't cause symptoms for you for the remainder of the month, it may be enough to worsen your symptoms during your period.

Secondly, remember to be extremely gentle with your gums. Being overly abrasive or using too much pressure can make gingivitis symptoms worse.

Having a period comes with plenty of side effects, including unhappy gums. If you're seeking relief, make sure that your gums are currently healthy before you experience your next cycle. Your pain and bleeding symptoms should diminish as a result. Contact a dental office like Apollo Dental Center for more information and assistance.