Women's Oral Health
Burning Mouth Syndrome in Middle-Aged Women

More than 1 million adults in the United States, mostly women in their postmenopausal years, are affected by a poorly understood and difficult-to-diagnose condition known as burning mouth syndrome (BMS). The chronic disorder is characterized by pain and a burning sensation in the lips, palate and tongue. It is sometimes accompanied by dry mouth, thirst, altered taste perception, irritability and depression. Learn more about this condition and what you can do to treat it.

Women's Oral Health
Saliva Tests May Help to Check for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in the United States.  In 2006, the American Cancer Society estimated that there would be 212,920 new cases of invasive breast cancer, and in that year, 40,970 women would die from it.  Many women's lives could be saved if this cancer was diagnosed earlier, and early diagnosis could be achieved if there were more and easier opportunities to do so. One study found that the protein levels in saliva have great potential to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of breast cancer.

Women's Oral Health
Why is Oral Health Important for Women?

Women's oral health depends on their different stages of life. For many women, these changes are directly related to surges in sex-hormone levels, such as in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation and menopause. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with TMJ, myofascial pain, eating disorders and Sjögren's syndrome (which causes dry mouth). As a woman, you need to adhere to good oral hygiene. Make sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and after each meal when possible. Read on for the AGD’s recommended oral hygiene routine.

FAQs: Oral Hygiene

Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing bacteria that accumulates on teeth, including where toothbrushes can’t reach. Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Sugary foods are obvious sources of plaque, but there are others that you might not realize can cause harm. Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red and sensitive, which can lead to gum disease, but there are things you can do to prevent it from happening.