Implications of Gender Based Biology in Oral Health Issues – Are Women More Susceptible?

Abstract

Women have unique health needs. Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life have significant affect on many organs and tissues of the body including the oral cavity. Studies have shown that while women tend to take better care of their mouth than men do, their oral health is not significantly better than that of men. There are certain oral diseases and conditions that are unique to, more prevalent; have distinct causes and manifestations; have different outcomes and require different interventions in women when compared to the men. Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause influence a woman’s health at different stages of life. Thus, women have special oral health needs and considerations. Understanding these special needs is very important for the healthcare provider in order to implement targeted preventive and therapeutic measures to better not only women’s oral health, but their overall health and well-being as well.