Though the demographic trends of oral health status of women show that they live longer than their male counterparts, it does not necessarily mean it is a healthier one, say dental experts in the city.
“Gender inequality in ac- cess to healthcare also has led to a decline in the maintenance of general and oral health care as most women are busy playing their multitasking roles of a homemaker, a working woman and a mother,” says prosthodontist Rachna.
“There are five stages in a woman’s life during which hormone fluctuations make them more susceptible to oral health problems.
These are during puberty, menstrual cycle, during the use of birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause. Attention should be paid during these stages to maintain oral health,” said the doctor.
Oral health changes can occur as a consequence of advanced age, systemic diseases, and medications taken for these systemic diseases as well as hormonal changes.
Systemic diseases like diabetes, cardiac conditions and hypertension present with such oral manifestations.
“Women should visit their dentist twice a year for routine dental examination and ensure that they are eating a well balanced diet for healthy teeth,” advised Dr Rachna.