Thanks to modern science, you have many different options available to you when it comes to choosing a birth control method. But when you’re trying to decide which one is right for you, you should keep in mind that they each come with their pros and cons. For instance, oral contraceptives can have a negative effect on your oral health.
Oral contraceptives and your oral health
The hormones in oral contraceptives can have various negative side effects, which can affect things such as your mood and your weight. These hormones can also increase the risk of:
• Dry socket. If you have a tooth removed, a blood clot naturally forms. Oral contraceptives can increase the risk that this blood clot becomes dislodged, which is not only very painful but can lead to an infection.
• Jaw problems. Hormones in the pill can inflame joints, including the jaw joint, which can lead to muscle aches in the head, neck, and shoulders; jaw pain and trouble eating and even speaking; and headaches.
• Gum disease. The hormones in oral contraceptives can make your teeth and gums more susceptible to plaque and bacteria. This can lead to inflamed, painful gums and gum disease (which, in the worst-case scenario, can result in losing teeth). It can also make it painful to thoroughly brush your teeth, which can allow plaque to build up even more.
Possible problems with your oral health is one reason you should speak with your doctor about which contraceptive method might be better for you over another kind. It is also important to keep your dentist up to date about medications you are taking – he or she can monitor your teeth for any adverse effects of any medication you are on. And, you should be aware that medication such as antibiotics that your dentist may give you can interfere with how oral contraceptives work.
A lot of different factors go into keeping you (and your mouth) healthy. To keep your oral health at its best, let your dentist know if you are taking any new medication. And make sure to see your dentist for checkups and cleanings! Call Hampton Dental Associates in Milwaukee for an appointment. Call (414) 464-9021 today!
