What steps can women take to protect their oral health?

To protect their oral health, women should be sure to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat a balanced diet and schedule regular dental check-ups. If pregnant, women should know that all the changing hormone levels that occur with pregnancy can actually make some dental problems worse. That's why if you are pregnant, make sure to tell your dentist about any changes you have noticed in your oral health. 

Women have special oral health needs due to hormonal fluctuations brought on by puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. That's why it's important for you to follow some simple and easy rules that will help prevent problems with your mouth, teeth, and gums. Always brush your teeth twice a day and try to drink water with fluoride. While brushing your teeth, don't ignore your gums. Gently brush along the gum line each time you brush your teeth. Eat healthy foods, don't smoke cigarettes, and limit both the use of alcohol and how much soda you drink. Seeing your dentist for regular checkups is also very important. Make sure to alert him or her if your gums begin to bleed, if you notice unusual red patches in your mouth, if you have pain for an extended period of time in your jaw or mouth, or if you have trouble chewing. After visiting a dentist, be sure to follow the advice you were given.  If you are planning to become pregnant, schedule a dental examination and try to get preventive dental care completed before you become pregnant. During your pregnancy, be sure to continue brushing and flossing daily. During menopause, speak to your dentist and physician about your oral health concerns. Sometimes, certain supplements can help alleviate symptoms of gum disease and hormone changes.