There appears to be an unanticipated connection between oral health and PCOS, according to studies.
Based on research, Dr. Karishma Vijan (philanthropist, author, and dental surgeon from Mumbai ) provides valuable insights into the mutual association between oral health and PCOS as well as practical recommendations for managing PCOS symptoms and maintaining excellent oral health.
Way of Connection :
According to Dr. Recent research indicates that women who have PCOS are 28% more likely to get periodontal disease, which is an infection of the bone and gums that are supporting teeth, while women who already have periodontal disease are 46% more likely to develop PCOS.
Furthermore, a greater risk of periodontitis has been discovered in certain studies among people with newly diagnosed PCOS. A major contributing component to both illnesses is inflammation.
It’s crucial to note that this relationship is mutually exclusive. Insulin resistance is one of the PCOS symptoms that might be worsened by poor oral hygiene.
These include keeping a close eye on insulin resistance and PCOS, practicing good oral hygiene, thinking about taking anti-inflammatory supplements, and leading a healthy lifestyle that includes daily physical activity and a nutritious diet that is well-rounded.
The effects of PCOS on Oral Health :
Your gums are only one of the numerous areas of your body where PCOS can cause low-grade, chronic inflammation. An environment like this encourages the growth of plaque and germs, which increases the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.
Dr. Vijan went on by adding that women with PCOS have elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and that this inflammation affects the health of their teeth. Furthermore, poor salivary gland function brought on by PCOS may cause dry mouth.
Saliva is essential for getting rid of food particles and stopping the growth of bacteria. When the protective flow in your mouth is disturbed, you increase your risk of cavities and other oral health problems.
PCOS and its Treatment :
PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a prevalent hormonal condition that affects people who have ovaries, usually in their reproductive years. PCOS is typified by a variety of symptoms, such as irregular menstrual cycles, metabolic problems, hormone imbalances, and ovarian cysts.
It may result in problems becoming pregnant as well as a higher chance of developing other illnesses like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Symptom management and targeted concern-addressing are common components of ovarian syndrome treatment. Medical procedures and lifestyle modifications are the two major ways that PCOS is treated.
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Diet and Exercise: The primary course of treatment is frequently to adopt a healthy lifestyle. In addition to helping with weight management, regular exercise and a balanced diet can also enhance insulin sensitivity and menstrual cycle regulation. It could be advised to follow a low-glycemic-index diet that emphasizes healthy fats, lean proteins, and complex carbs.
- Weight management: Even a slight reduction in weight can have a major positive impact on symptoms for those who are overweight or obese. Losing weight aids in lowering insulin resistance, which is frequently linked to ovarian syndrome.
- Frequent Exercise: Exercise on a regular basis can assist increase insulin sensitivity and is good for general health. It is advised to perform moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week.
Medical Procedures:
- Birth Control Pills: Women with ovarian syndrome are frequently administered oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, to address hormonal imbalances and menstrual cycle regulation.
- Anti-Androgen Drugs: To assist control symptoms like acne and excessive hair growth, doctors may prescribe drugs that inhibit the effects of androgens, or male hormones.
- Metformin: People with ovarian syndrome, particularly those who have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, may be taking this drug in order to increase their insulin sensitivity.
- Fertility drugs: To encourage ovulation in those attempting to conceive, fertility drugs such as letrozole or clomiphene citrate may be administered.
- Medication for lifestyle modifications: Medication for lifestyle modifications can help control some symptoms, such acne or irregular menstrual cycles.
The effects of Oral Health on PCOS :
The oral health is more than just an untainted element in this delicate balancing act. Leading the way on its own, it can influence the course of ovarian syndrome development as well.
One of the primary signs of ovarian syndrome is insulin resistance, which can be exacerbated by gum disease and other dental health issues. This exacerbates issues related to controlling weight as well as other issues like irregular menstruation.
Moreover, chronic mouth irritation might worsen systemic inflammation, which could affect ovarian syndrome treatment and decrease drug effectiveness.
Oral Health And Its Treatment :
Beyond simply flashing your pearly whites, maintaining good dental health also entails taking care of your overall well being. It is undeniable that treating PCOS in women and keeping up with oral care are related.
Non-surgical deep gum cleaning :
Scaling and root planing, also known as for non-surgical deep gum cleaning, is a precise dental technique used to treat gum disease by eliminating plaque and tartar below the gumline.
Scaling is done to get rid of deposits, while root planing is done to smooth out tooth roots and stop germs from sticking back.
Gum laser treatment :
By employing lasers to target and eradicate bacteria, minimize inflammation, and stimulate tissue regeneration, gum laser treatment, also known as laser-assisted periodontal therapy, is a useful adjunct to conventional techniques.
With the use of these minimally invasive methods, gum disease may be controlled, leading to better oral health without the need for surgery, a faster healing process, and improved tooth health overall.
