Taking Oral Contraceptives?

CLINICAL CONTENT WRITTEN & REVIEWED BY CLOVE CLINICAL TEAM

Last Modified: September 8, 2017

FACT CHECKED

How Oral Contraceptives Can Affect Your Oral Health

Here’s what you should know…

These days, choosing a form of birth control option can be as daunting as shopping for a new cell phone . The bir th control technology is constantly changing and there are just innumerable options. Even after options galore , the science behind contraception remains the same. In today’s day and age, women being professionals, who have to plan the family, it is highly important, that we know the effects of oral contraception on one’s Oral Health. Birth control pills make your body think that it’s pregnant, so the body does not get pregnant again. These hormone pills taken for the birth control causes certain changes which have a profound effect on your gums.

Aggravated Response – Women who already have deposits on teeth or preexisting gum disease, their condition gets aggravated with use of Oral contraceptives.
Swelling – The gums show swelling which is directly related to the duration of use
Prolonged use – Causes gum disease to get into advanced stage.
Advanced stage – of gum disease (i.e. Periodontitis) happens due to prolonged use and if regular care is not taken, bone loss occurs.
Bone dissolves – bone which holds the teeth in place is called the Alveolar bone and this bone gets dissolved in case there is a long standing gum disease.
Gum recession – gums become lose and start receding thereby the root area of your tooth will get exposed. This will lead to sensitivity.
Periodontal pocket formation – As the gum recedes, periodontal pocket is formed around the tooth, leading to increased bacterial accumulation.

Signs to look out for

Reddish gums giving an engorged feeling
Easily bleeding gums
Bleeding while brushing
Elongated teeth & Change in your smile
Dry mouth and foul smell

How can you keep your gums healthy

Talk to Your Dentist
Ask him/her to examine if you have tell-tale signs of developing gum disease.
If disease has set in, urgent treatment needs to be done.
Professional cleaning of teeth/scaling
If the disease is advanced, deep cleaning (curettage) will be required.
Ask your dentist, if he/she thinks you should use an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
Change your Oral contraceptive if gum disease is developing (after consulting with your doctor).
Learn & Review your Oral Hygiene habits.
Check your diet. A low-inflammation diet rich in alkaline, healthy foods will keep your gums healthy.

By:-Dr. Damini Gandotra
BDS PG, Cert Oral Implantolgy
Consultant