Hormone Replacement Therapy & How It Can Prevent Gum Disease

If you’re a postmenopausal woman and you aren’t sure if hormone replacement therapy is right for you, this interesting fact may help you make a decision: estrogen supplements can prevent or slow the progression of gingivitis and periodontists, both forms of gum disease. This comes from a study recently published by the Journal of Periodontal.

How Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Help?

Periodontists (the severe stages of gum disease) is quite common. In fact, as many as half of American citizens over the age of 50 suffer from gum disease in some form. Researchers believe that this has something to do with the lack of estrogen causing bone loss in the jaw. This same lack of estrogen causes osteoporosis in the body, but also contributes to the loss of the mouth structures that keep the gum tissue healthy and in place.

Because gum disease can often go unnoticed, many women are unaware that they even suffer from it until it’s in an advanced stage. This is why it’s important to know what the symptoms of gum disease include. 

Symptoms Of Gum Disease

Below are common symptoms of gum disease to look out for:

• Receding gums
• Red, swollen, or painful gum tissue
• Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushed
• Chronic bad breath
• Loosening teeth
• Pus between the gum tissue and teeth

If you believe you have gum disease or if you’d like to learn more about the link between hormone replacement therapy and your gum health, please contact your general dentist or periodontist today.

To make an appointment with our skilled orthodontist or for questions about braces, call Lockett Orthodontics here in Colorado Springs, CO. We proudly serve Colorado Springs, Briargate, Falcon North, Northeast Colorado Springs, Powers, Woodmen Plaza, and the surrounding areas.