Secret Gateway to Health For Women

As a little girl matures to adulthood, there are many changes that take place in her body. The most important factor that brings on the different physical developments throughout the life of metamorphosis from little girl to a woman involves certain hormones.

The milestone stages in a woman's life include puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
Hormones play a major role during all the passages in a woman's life. Estrogen and progesterone levels rise during certain stages, resulting in biological changes that also produce changes in the mouth.

When the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone increase, they can affect how the gums respond to germs in the mouth. Due to the increase in especially progesterone, there is increased blood circulation to the gums. Therefore a greater reaction to any irritation such as plaque (that sticky film that builds around teeth) can cause the first stage of gum disease called gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding, tender gums).
 Proper oral hygiene to keep your teeth sparkly white and your gums clean can prevent gingivitis.

If gingivitis is not treated, it progresses into periodontitis, which advanced gum disease. This serious disease has been reported to increase the risk of heart disease which is the number one cause of death of women in the U.S.

During later stages of life with menopause and post menopause, sex hormones are on the decline. With the levels of hormones going down, a woman's body is affected in several ways. Bone density, overall sex drive, and weight gain, are just a few consequences impacted by hormone levels after menopause.

Dry mouth, changes in taste, and burning sensation in the oral tissue are some of the oral changes you may experience during and after menopause. During this time, when the body needs calcium, one of the first places it gets it from is the jaw. Therefore with osteoporosis, it's even more important to see a dentist regularly.

Hormone replacement therapy is often recommended by physicians as soon as signs of menopause begin. However, you should be aware of recent studies which suggest a certain hormone replacement therapy called bisphosphonate (brand names Fosamax, Actonel) , taken through injections for long term, may cause jaw bone death.

In fact, most universities give patients on bisphosphonate handouts about the warning.
Maintaining healthy gums, teeth and bone throughout life with good oral hygiene, balanced lifestyle including proper nutrition and exercise, will prepare you for all stages of life smoothly. Regular dental check-ups, are of course, also a must.

Dr. Flora Stay is the founder of Cleure (fusion of Clean & Pure) http://www.cleure.com - the most trusted company for chemically safe personal care and cosmetic products. Her latest book is 'Secret Gateway to Health'. For a limited time you can receive a FREE e-book "Product Labels, A Cautionary Tale" to help you recognize the products that are right for you in order to avoid allergies and sensitivities. Just go to http://www.cleure.com right now and download this e-book.

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