Recognizing Women's Specific Oral Health Needs

Oral health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of holistic well-being, especially among women. Women have specific oral health needs that evolve with each stage of their lives. However, a general lack of health insurance coverage and the responsibility of contraceptive use can present barriers to women achieving optimal oral health, according to a study. To bridge this disparity,   it is essential to have a healthcare sector that is sensitive to gender considerations to effectively address these concerns.

The significance of oral health extends beyond aesthetics, closely linked with the onset and progression of various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Mexico, seven out of every 10 adults are affected by periodontal disease, a statistic that may be correlated with the high prevalence of chronic diseases in the country. 

In Mexico, only 7.7% of women maintain satisfactory oral health in adulthood as reported by the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). The inadequate support for women’s oral health needs in Mexico may be attributed, as suggested by UNAM, to the fact that 71.3% of women are engaged in informal employment, which often results in a lack of health insurance, benefits, or access to healthcare. “In most countries, dental treatments account for an average of five percent of total healthcare expenditure and 20% of out-of-pocket patient costs,” wrote Juan Carlos Borgatta, CEO, Borgatta, for MBN.

The oral health needs of women are highly specific and require tailored attention to address their unique physiological changes and hormonal fluctuations throughout various life stages. Changes in hormonal levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can affect gum sensitivity to dental plaque, as reported by Colgate. For instance, during menopause, women may suffer from red or swollen gums, oral pain, burning sensation, altered taste perception, and dry mouth.

Moreover, according to data from the National Survey of Demographic Dynamics, the primary burden of reproductive control on women significantly influences oral health. This data also reveals that the pill is the most prevalent contraceptive method among Mexican women, with a usage rate of 91.8%. Studies indicate that oral contraceptives can exacerbate gum inflammation, resulting in heightened redness and a greater propensity for gum bleeding, according to the American Dental Association. Additionally, in certain instances, they may induce gingival enlargement.

Oral health issues can additionally elevate the likelihood of various health complications in women, such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and osteoporosis, as reported by the US National’s Women Health Network.