Impact of Birth Control on Oral Health

According to a recent report by NARAL Pro-Choice America, 99% of sexually active women in the US have used contraceptives at some point in their lives. Contraceptives are generally safe, but just like any other medication, they can have some side effects.

What’s the Connection Between Birth Control and Oral Health?

Many forms of birth control are made of hormones to prevent fertility. However, the varying levels of hormones in birth control can have severe side effects on a woman’s overall health and increase sensitivity to oral health problems. Here’s how:

• Large fluctuations of progesterone and estrogen due to intake of birth control pills interfere with blood supply to different body parts, including the gums. This increases the chances of experiencing gum inflammation or bleeding.
• Taking birth control pills increases sensitivity to gum problems, making them irritable.
• The hormonal changes affect how a woman’s body responds to toxins. This leads to plaque build-up and can result in gingivitis and other periodontal diseases.
• Using oral birth control often leads to post nasal drip and dry mouth, increasing the likelihood of developing bad breath.
• Smoking while on oral birth control can cause blood clotting and dry sockets after an extracted wisdom tooth.

How Can I Prevent the Development of Oral Health Problems?

Choosing the correct birth control method is one of the ways to ensure your oral health is minimally impacted. Other ways include maintaining good oral care practices.
Maintaining a regular oral care routine ensures you stay comfortable and your mouth stays healthy. The following tips will help:

• Eat well-balanced diet
• Avoid starchy or sugary snacks
• Chew sugar-free gum between meals
• Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
• Floss at least once a day
• Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse
• Seek professional oral examination and cleaning from your dentist at least twice every year
• Discuss with your dentist how you can use artificial saliva for the treatment of dry mouth

Can a Dentist Help Manage the Side Effects Caused by Contraceptives?

Yes, they can. It would be best to inform your dentist of the names and dosages of all the medication you are taking, including contraceptives. That way, they can help you manage any side effects that contraceptives cause.

What’s more, contraceptives can change how other medications, such as anesthesia work in your body—making it very important to discuss this before any oral surgeries.

Consult Dentists at The Dental Anesthesia Center

Are you on birth control and worried about your oral health? Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center. We offer professional and high-quality oral cleaning services and will guide you on effective ways to manage any oral-related side effects that you may be experiencing due to the use of contraceptives. Call us today to schedule your appointment!