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Women's Dental Care FAQs

Q. Why is it important that women be concerned with their oral health?

A. For many women, oral health changes throughout the different stages of their life, due to surges in sex hormone levels. The dentist may request to see the patient more frequently during hormonal surges.

Q. Gum disease tends to run in my family. What's the best way to prevent and treat it?

A. To prevent periodontal disease, dentists recommend the basics to all their patients: Brush at least twice a day, and floss once a day to remove plaque. Most people should see a dentist twice a year. Because of family history, some women may need to brush and see their dentist more often. There are also new medications that help fight gum disease. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved an oral drug, Periostat, which may improve tooth attachment and stop tissue destruction. Two other new products, Atridox (an antibiotic) and PerioChip (an antibacterial), are applied to the gums by your dentist. These medications are to be used in conjunction with traditional gum disease treatments, such as scaling and root planing.

Q. What problems occur for girls during puberty?

A. The surge in hormones that occurs during puberty may cause swollen gums, especially during menstruation. Herpes-type lesions and ulcers also can develop. They also may experience sensitive gums that react more to irritants.

Q. What gum problems may occur during menstruation?

A. Women may experience red, swollen, tender gums (gingivitis) a few days prior to their menstrual period because of increased levels of progesterone in their bodies. These changes occur because of an exaggerated gingival (gum) response to bacterial plaque and generally resolve toward the end of the menstrual period or shortly thereafter. To combat these symptoms, a dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings, fastidious home care, and possibly an anti-microbial mouth rinse or special toothpaste.

Q. Can women develop cold sores related to the menstruation cycle?

A. Yes, a few days before menstruation begins, some women may experience an activation of cold sores (herpes labialis). These sores occur on the lips and usually heal by themselves within 10 to 14 days. A dentist and/or physician may prescribe a topical medication for treatment.

Everything You Need To Know About Dental Crowns For Your Teeth

The crown serves two important functions. First, it restores the appearance of your teeth and your face. If your tooth is severely decayed or cracked, the dentist will need to restore it prior to preparing a cap. Teeth also support the muscles in our faces, so anything less than a full tooth may affect the way you look.

Second, a crown will be the same size and shape as the natural tooth. As a result, it will keep your jaw and bite aligned; it will also make sure that other teeth don't shift locations or take on a greater share of the work of biting and chewing.

What Are Dental Crowns Made of?

Crowns are most often made of gold or porcelain. Crowns also can be made of stainless steel, but those crowns are often temporary and not designed for long-term wear.

Porcelain crowns usually are built on a metal base, which fits snugly over the natural tooth. Your dentist will choose a porcelain that matches the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain crowns usually are so carefully matched in color, they cannot be distinguished from your natural teeth. Many people choose porcelain crowns for the cosmetic appearance and the confidence it gives them.

New materials are now available that allow the use of "all-ceramic" crowns in some cases. They have a beautiful life-like appearance and short-term studies support their success, with long-term trials ongoing.

Crowns also can be made of all gold. Some people prefer not to use gold because it stands out from the other teeth in appearance. At the same time, if the crown is on a back molar, some people feel the cosmetic issue is not a big one. Your dentist will discuss the types of materials available if a crown is recommended.

An Ounce of Prevention Is Still the Rule!

Once your crown is in place, make sure the area is brushed well and that you floss below the gum line. While the crown protects your remaining tooth from further decay, you must protect the base of the crown from bacterial growth and gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing as you would your natural teeth will ensure that your crown will be in place for years to come!

By Danine M. Fresch, DDS