Ever notice your gums becoming sore or bleeding just before your period starts? This is a condition known as menstruation gingivitis, a form of gum inflammation that arises due to hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle. It usually shows up in the days leading up to menstruation and often improves once your period begins.
Though it might seem like a small inconvenience, menstruation gingivitis can signal that your gums are more sensitive than usual. For those with plaque buildup or early-stage gum disease, this sensitivity can intensify.
According to General Family Dentists at Pape Dental Centre, “Many women don’t realize their gum issues are linked to their cycle. We often see patients worried about bleeding gums, only to find that it resolves after menstruation ends. Recognizing the link is the first step to managing it.”
What Is Menstruation Gingivitis?
Menstrual gingivitis is gum swelling or bleeding that happens around your period. Hormone changes during your cycle can make your gums more sensitive to plaque. It usually starts a few days before your period and goes away after it ends.
Causes of Menstruation Gingivitis
To understand why menstruation gingivitis happens, we need to talk about what’s going on beneath the surface, specifically, your hormones.
Hormonal Changes and Gum Inflammation
Throughout your menstrual cycle, the levels of estrogen and progesterone rise and fall. In the second half of your cycle, right before your period, progesterone levels peak. This hormone increases blood flow to the gums, which can make them feel more swollen and sensitive than usual.
At the same time, these hormones alter how your body responds to plaque buildup and bacteria along the gum line. What would normally be a minor irritation becomes a much bigger deal, leading to gum inflammation, redness, tenderness, and yes, bleeding gums when you brush or floss.
This heightened immune response is temporary, but if your oral hygiene isn’t consistent, say you skip flossing one night or forget to brush thoroughly, it gives bacteria the perfect opportunity to stir things up.
According to Health.com, that’s how menstruation gingivitis begins: a combination of hormonal sensitivity and everyday bacteria that, together, tip your gums into an inflamed state.
Symptoms and Signs to Watch For
Most people first notice gingivitis when they spot blood on their toothbrush or floss just before their period starts. But it’s not just about bleeding, there are other clues your gums might be sending:
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, puffy gum appearance
- Gum tenderness or mild discomfort
These symptoms tend to come and go like clockwork. They show up in the days leading to your period, then fade once your cycle begins or shortly after. If you’ve ever thought, “My gums always act up right before my period,” you’re not alone, and now you know why.
How to Prevent Menstrual Gingivitis
You can reduce (or even prevent) menstruation gingivitis with a few simple oral care tips and habits. Here’s what you need to know:
Oral Hygiene Tips
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life, just tweak your routine a bit, especially during the days leading up to your period.
- Brush gently but thoroughly — 2x a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss like a boss — every day: Flossing removes plaque and food between teeth that brushing can’t reach, which is especially important when your gums are inflamed.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash: Go for an alcohol-free option if your mouth is feeling raw or sensitive.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away bacteria and keeps your gums from drying out.
When to See Your Dentist
Your dentist can assess whether you’re experiencing menstruation gingivitis or an early stage of periodontal disease, which is a more serious form of gum infection. They’ll look for signs of gum recession, plaque buildup, and potential bone loss. Catching these issues early makes treatment much simpler and more effective.
Regular dental visits every six months are essential, even if you’re not noticing symptoms. Preventive dental care is far more effective (and affordable) than reactive treatments down the road.
For personalized care that considers changes like menstruation and gingivitis, a family dentist can be a smart choice.
Take Charge of Your Smile with Pape Dental Centre
At Pape Dental Centre, we understand that your dental needs change with your body. Whether you’re dealing with menstruation gingivitis or just want to keep your smile fresh, we’re here to help.
📞 Book a consultation today and let’s brighten your smile!
Final Thoughts
Your body’s constantly working behind the scenes to keep everything in balance, and your gums are no exception. If they feel a little off around your period, it’s not just in your head. It’s a real condition, with real causes, and the sooner you recognize it, the easier it is to manage.
Menstrual gingivitis might be annoying, but it’s also a great example of how our hormones affect every corner of our health, even our mouths. With a few simple adjustments to your oral hygiene routine done by an expert dental hygienist and a little extra awareness, you can keep your gums feeling strong and healthy all month long.
FAQs
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Why do my gums bleed or swell before and during my period?
Hormonal changes, especially rises in estrogen and progesterone, increase blood flow to your gums and make them more sensitive to plaque and bacteria, leading to swelling or bleeding.
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What does menstrual gingivitis feel like?
It often feels like tender, swollen, or puffy gums, with bleeding during brushing or flossing, usually just before your period.
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Should I change my oral hygiene routine based on my menstrual cycle?
You don’t need a major change, but staying extra consistent with brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash before your period can help prevent flare-ups.
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When should I see a dentist about menstruation gingivitis symptoms?
If gum bleeding or inflammation is frequent, severe, or doesn’t go away after your period, it’s best to get checked by your dentist.
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Does birth control or hormone therapy affect my gum health in the same way my period does?
Yes, hormonal birth control or therapy can also impact gum sensitivity, since they influence the same hormones involved in menstruation and gingivitis.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you experienced gum changes during your cycle?
Share your thoughts or questions below, we’d love to hear from you!
