Do Birth Control Pills Affect Oral Health?

Birth control pills are known to cause a number of side effects, ranging from low libido to moderate weight gain. There are many side effects of oral contraceptives that most women are unaware of, however. Can birth control pills actually affect your oral health? Here are some of the things that all women using oral contraceptives should know.

Increased Risk of Gum Disease

Taking oral contraceptives which contain progesterone increases a woman's risk of experiencing gum disease. Oral contraceptives can cause sensitivity to toxins from plaque, which leads to gum inflammation, according to WebMD. Since progesterone is the active ingredient in birth control pills, switching to a low-hormone pill will not help reduce this risk.

The best thing that you can do for your teeth and gums while you're using birth control pills is make your oral hygiene routine a priority. Be sure to brush your teeth two to three times a day. Floss at least once a day. The morning is generally considered the best time to floss because of plaque buildup that occurs overnight, but flossing at any time is important. Also incorporate a mouthwash, such as Listerine, into your daily oral hygiene routine to reduce plaque buildup and prevent gum disease.

Difficulty Healing After Tooth Extraction

Due to the gum inflammation that is caused by the birth control pill, there is an increased risk of dry socket after tooth extraction. The main symptom of this condition is extreme pain a few days after a tooth has been removed which may extend to your ear, eye, temple or neck, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dry sockets will generally need to be flushed out to reduce the risk of infection.

To reduce the risk of dry sockets, women who use the birth control pill are recommended to schedule their tooth extraction during the week they are using their placebo pills, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. If you have any concerns about healing after tooth extraction, be sure to talk to your oral surgeon.

Oral health problems due to gum inflammation are more likely to occur while you are using the birth control pills. Practicing a healthy oral hygiene routine and arranging for your tooth extraction to occur during the week of your placebo pills can help to prevent complications from occurring. If you experience any other unusual oral problems that may seem like side effects of oral contraceptives, be sure to ask your dentist.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Anyone who is concerned about their health should seek medical attention from a licensed health care professional.

Sources:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Mayo Clinic
WebMD