What Every Woman Should Know About Her Dental Health
by Monica Contract, DMD
DID YOU KNOW THAT WOMEN HAVE special challenges when it comes to their oral health? Hormonal cycles can affect the way women’s bodies react to bacteria and plaque inside their mouths. If you’re a woman—or if you’d like to pass this information along to a woman who could benefit from it—our team encourages you to learn more about these important dental facts.
Hormonal Cycles Can Affect Gums
Puberty, pregnancy, and menstruation cause increased progesterone and estrogen levels which can lead to increased gum sensitivity. There’s also a condition known as menstruation gingivitis, which can cause some women to experience increased bleeding and swollen gums right before menstruation. This condition is typically not serious and clears up quickly. Gingivitis during pregnancy can be more severe, and may even cause non-cancerous oral tumors. That’s another reason why it’s important for women to keep their regular checkup appointments during pregnancy.
Oral contraceptives also increase hormonal levels in women’s bodies which can cause increased sensitivity and vulnerability to gum disease. During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can also create oral health problems including dry mouth syndrome, which can significantly add to a woman’s tooth decay risk.
Other Oral Health Problems That Are More Likely To Affect Women
- Women are almost twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders). TMD causes strain on one’s jaw joint and potential damage to teeth, often as a result of clenching and/or teeth grinding.
- HPV is becoming more common, and research is increasingly suggesting a link between HPV and oral cancer. Regular oral cancer screenings are important whether or not a woman has high risk factors.
- As you know, women are much more susceptible to osteoporosis than men which can cause jaw bone loss and associated periodontal disease problems.
The Great News? Women Take Better Care Of Their Oral Health!
As you might expect, a helpful remedy in many instances is to simply maintain good dental health habits! Fortunately, women are better at this than men! A recent study of over 800 young men and women shows:
- Women are more consistent when it comes to regular checkups
- Women exhibit better attitudes toward dentistry in general
- Women have better personal dental habits
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about your oral health or any of the special challenges we’ve talked about above, be sure to ask us! There are lots of easy ways to connect with us—and we promise to be very responsive! You can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/williamsburgdentist , you can email us at appts@wmbgsmiles.com, or you can call us at 757-220-6727.
1130 Old Colony Lane, Suite 100 • Williamsburg, VA 23185 • (757) 220-6727
About the Author
Dr. Monica Contract was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In 2005, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Contract then attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine from which she graduated second in her class with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD).
In 2010, Dr. Contract completed a General Practice Residency at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During this residency, she received advanced dental training in most of the dental specialties and developed the skills necessary to treat medically compromised patients.
Dr. Contract moved to the Williamsburg area in 2010 and has had the pleasure of working at Williamsburg Smiles ever since. At her office, Dr. Contract utilizes the latest technology including a dental laser, modern sterilization, one-visit in-office whitening, computerized operatories, intraoral cameras, and digital radiography. Additionally, each treatment room offers cable TV and DVD movies for patient enjoyment.
As a general dentist, Dr. Contract provides comprehensive care for her patients including white fillings, sealants, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, and Invisalign clear braces. Additionally, she is recognized for her adept skill in providing pediatric dentistry, implant treatment, extractions, dentures and partial dentures.
Dr. Contract is active in numerous professional and community affairs. She enjoys being an Assistant Professor at Thomas Nelson Community College, where she teaches the anesthesia curriculum for their dental hygiene program. She is involved with Give Kids a Smile and serves as a team captain for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk. In addition to practicing dentistry, Dr. Contract enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick, and their two dogs Henry and Zena. She is an avid reader and enjoys playing tennis, biking and traveling.
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