5 Ways Women’s Oral Healthcare Needs Are Different Than Men (& How To Choose The Right Toothpaste For You)

On the surface, there’s no visible difference in the oral structure of men and women. Both genders have teeth, gums, a tongue, and a jaw. But when it comes to women, hormones are such a game-changer. The way they impact a woman’s health and body is far-reaching, and yes, this extends to their oral cavity, too. 

Right from puberty when there is a rise in a girl’s oestrogen and progesterone levels, the increase in blood flow alters the way the gum tissue handles plaque build-up. They become more prone to gum swelling, redness and tenderness. In fact, even when they have their periods every month, some women are likely to face menstruation-related gingivitis, almost as common as any other PMS symptom.

As women grow older, their choice of birth control can impact their oral health because of the way it causes fluctuations in hormonal levels. And when it comes to pregnancy, one of the most common casualties of hormonal changes is bleeding gums, right up there with hair loss. This is also why specialised dental care for pregnant mothers is so important.

Among the final big life changes to affect oral health in women is turning 40. This is because, after 40, the calcium levels in women’s bodies start deteriorating. And when you experience menopause, the saliva production in your mouth also reduces making you prone to dry mouth, halitosis (bad breath), and increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods.

Given how much hormones affect oral health, isn’t it surprising that we haven’t seen more women’s dental health products in the market?

Shop Dente91 SHE Toothpaste here.

5 Dental Health Problems More Common In Women Than Men

1. Plaque Build-Up: Plaque is a sticky and, at times, coarse pale-coloured layer that settles over the tooth enamel. It can usually be identified when you run your tongue over your teeth. Plaque build-up indicates the presence of harmful bacteria that originates on your teeth. When left untreated for a long, it may travel through your bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, manifesting through inflammations and even damaging certain internal organs.
2. Tooth Sensitivity: Referred to as dentin hypersensitivity in medical parlance, tooth sensitivity is that sharp pain or discomfort that you feel when very hot or very cold foods come in direct contact with your teeth. The sensitivity can extend to aerated drinks, sugary foods, and even mouth-breathing cold air. It occurs when your dentine, or the hard bone-y tissue beneath the teeth enamel, gets exposed. This implies that your enamel, the uppermost layer of your teeth, has gotten eroded. While sensitivity can occur in people across ages, menopause teeth sensitivity is most common.           
3. Bleeding Gums: Bleeding gums may be the result of gum disease or may be a symptom of underlying medical conditions like leukaemia, vitamin deficiency, insufficient platelets or clotting cells, and an advanced form of gum disease like periodontitis.
4. Bad Breath: Medically known as Halitosis, bad breath can be the fallout of poor dental hygiene, certain foods, acid reflux, dry mouth, and other health conditions. You can usually get rid of bad breath by following a few tips for good oral hygiene, which we will discuss later in the article. However, if none of these yield fruitful results, you must see a doctor immediately to eliminate the chances of a serious underlying health condition. 
5. Gingivitis: A mild form of gum disease or periodontal disease, which manifests through redness, inflammation, and irritation of the gingiva. To be specific, the gingiva is the part of your gum lining the base of your teeth. It can lead to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis and even loss of teeth, if not treated in time. It is a clear sign of poor oral hygiene.

TC46 Approved: Dente91 SHE Toothpaste For Women

While we were on the lookout, we came across the Dente91 SHE Toothpaste for women. It has clinically proven results when it comes to tackling the most common dental health problems women are likely to experience in their lifetime. What’s also interesting are some of the unique ingredients in this toothpaste that make so much sense for women’s oral health. Here are some:

1. Folic acid (Vitamin B9): Helps prevent and treat gingivitis
2. Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6): Prevents dental cavities
3. Vitamins D3: Supports tooth health and promotes calcium preservation
4. Vitamin E: Keeps gums nourished and prevents inflammation
5. Nano Hydroxyapatite: Fine particles that mimic and reinforce the tooth enamel to reduce sensitivity
6. Lactoferrin: Protects the oral cavity against pathogens

Buy Dente91 SHE Toothpaste now.

How To Use Dente91 SHE Toothpaste For Maximum Oral Hygiene

1. Use the toothpaste twice daily.
2. Brush for at least 2 minutes each time, using a soft toothbrush. This is one of the most essential tips for healthier teeth.
3. Hold the toothbrush at the correct angle—45 degrees from where the teeth meet the gums. This helps effectively remove food stuck between your teeth and gets rid of plaque build-up.
4. Use a gentle hand motion to prevent damaging the soft tissues of your gums.

8 Benefits Of Using Dente91 SHE Toothpaste For Women

The cinnamon and ginger-flavoured toothpaste is also free from SLS, Fluoride, Paraben, Gluten, Peroxide and Triclosan, making it an ideal choice for long-term use.

Price: Rs 219 (100gm); Buy here

5 Dentist Prescribed General Oral Hygiene Tips You Should Follow

Here are 5 other essential dental hygiene tips that you need to follow diligently to ensure good dental and oral health:

1. Brush Mindfully: Brushing twice a day, every day is obvious for maintaining good oral hygiene. Hold your brush at 45 degrees to the gums for maximum benefit. Also, refrain from brushing too harshly or in a hurry as that may wear off your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to microbes and bacteria.
2. Don’t Skip Flossing: A proper dental hygiene routine remains incomplete if you don’t floss your teeth. Dentists emphasise the importance of flossing your teeth once a day. If you’re unsure about the proper way to brush and floss teeth, ask your dentist to show you how to do it the next time you go in for a check-up.
3. Visit A Dentist Twice A Year: Don’t wait for a cavity or bleeding gums to visit your dentist. Prevention is the best weapon when it comes to maintaining good oral health which is why you should go in for a routine check-up with the dentist every 6 months. 
4. Gargle Every Time After Eating: Simply brushing twice and flossing once a day isn’t enough. You eat at least 3 to 4 times a day, don’t you? And every time you eat, small food particles remain stuck between the crevices of your teeth. Hence, it is important to gargle thoroughly every single time you eat, even when you’ve eaten something as seemingly small as a piece of chocolate.
5. Refrain From Eating Foods That Cause Sensitivity and Irritation: Some people may notice gum sensitivity to spicy foods, while others may have a weird gritty feeling on their teeth after consuming citrus. Also, some folks are more prone to acid reflux from aerated drinks which can cause a whole host of problems in the oral cavity. So, make note of which foods don’t suit you and try and limit their intake.

Dente 91 SHE toothpaste, as evident from the name, is especially tailor-made keeping in mind the unique needs of women. This makes it more effective than other generic toothpaste for anyone going through big hormonal changes. Coupled with smart oral hygiene tips, and there’s no holding you back from flaunting those perfectly healthy pearly whites.

Invest in good oral health care today with Dente91 SHE Toothpaste.

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