Dr. Raluca Negoi: Are Women More Prone to Dental Health Problems?

Women live longer and are more preoccupied with their health. Yet, during the years, women confront themselves with more conditions than me. These can worsen or make women more susceptible to health problems. So, are women more prone to dental health problems too? We tried to find out the answers from Dr. Raluca Negoi, dental practitioner.

Raya Magazine: How would you describe a female patient comparing to a male patient?

Dr. Raluca Negoi: I should start by saying I have more female patients than male patients. Which is understandable, statistically there are more women than men. Then, yes, women pay more attention to symptoms and, therefore, arrive earlier at the dentist. And this is great because every problem is easier to handle in the early stages.

Then, in terms of managing the pain I wouldn’t want to make a distinction. It depends.

What I really like about women patients is that they come, they solve their dental problems and then they convince their family members to come too.

So, I would say the female patient is more preoccupied by her health, is more determined and more caring.

Raya Magazine: Is this a myth that around their menstrual period women are more sensitive and shouldn’t come to the dentist?

Dr. Raluca Negoi: It’s a myth they shouldn’t come to the dentist around that period of time.. Yet, menstruation means hormonal changes and yes, women are more sensitive then. I have patients who reported during menstruation (or just before or after) toothache, sensitive gums, swelling, bleeding…

Of course, all these issues have to be reported and managed by the doctor.

You cannot postpone your appointment just because you are at your period. On the other hand, I, for example, don’t normally schedule tooth extractions when my female patients experience this moment.

Raya Magazine: So, can we say it is a fact, women are more prone to dental health problems?

Dr. Raluca Negoi: We could say that but menstruation is not our biggest problem.

Raya Magazine: But what are the biggest problems when it comes to women and their dental health?

Dr. Raluca Negoi: There are many studies that show pregnancy is the most frequent sensitive period of time when women tend to have more dental health problems.

And it is obvious why: during pregnancy the levels of estrogen and progesterone increase and on 7th, 8th and 9th month of pregnancy these hormone are 10-30 times higher than puberty, for example (which is another very active hormonal period of time).

All this increases the risk of bad bacteria, gum disease, cavities etc.

I always advise pregnant women to be more careful with their oral health. To go to the doctor, to have a proper hygiene etc.

I would also want to add here that many dental procedures can be made during pregnancy. Yet, dental X-rays are not recommended. So, it is hard to do a tooth extraction with an X-ray… But even when an extraction is necessary, pregnant women have to ask a doctor and they will reach a solution for sure.

Besides pregnancy and menstrual cycle, menopause might be difficult too because of hormonal changes.

So, to summarize, we have pregnancy, menstruation, all fertile years, menopause and puberty.

Raya Magazine: In fact, all their lives…

Dr. Raluca Negoi: You could say it like that, but I emphasize again the fact women are more careful with their health and they end avoiding the big problems.

There are two more things regarding women and their dental health I want to point out.

First, women tend to live longer and they take more drugs for different conditions. These drugs sometimes interact with dental procedures, medications, solutions etc. So the doctors have to be more careful with that: to ask the patients, to use alternative when necessary etc.

Besides, many conditions which are common in women (rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögrens syndrome, anorexia nervosa, hurt disease etc.) have oral manifestations. So, when a woman comes to me with these symptoms I have to rule out serious disease sbefore telling her problem is (only) a dental one.

Follow Raya Magazine on Facebook and Instagram.

Raya Magazine: We can say women are more prone to dental health problems but can we say men are healthier; have a lower risk of dental issues?

Dr. Raluca Negoi: No, we cannot say that and I will explain to you why.

Most men, or many men, take their oral, dental health for granted. They don’t come for regular check-ups, they are afraid of pain, they smoke, they do not pay attention to their diet, and they even ignore dental loss. And this is not okay because in time, statistically, men confront themselves more often with periodontal disease, dental trauma, oral cancer etc.

Raya Magazine: As we are a Women & Lifestyle Website, what would you advise women patients?

Dr. Raluca Negoi: To continue to be preoccupied by their health, to inform themselves and then to pass on that knowledge. They have a strong educational role even in this respect, of dental health. I would also advise them, but not only them, women and men past a certain age, not to agree so easily to tooth extractions. It is harder and more expensive afterwards to find solutions so everyone should know we must treat, not extract – when possible, of course.

You can find more information about Dr. Raluca Negoi practice on her Facebook Page.

If you want to receive our Newsletter with our latest articles please complete the Subscription form below:

Email Address*

Name