Women's Oral Health Gains Global Attention: Experts Emphasize the Need for Personalized Approaches
In a groundbreaking move, researchers and experts have highlighted the critical importance of oral health for women, calling for more research, awareness, and tailored approaches to address the unique needs of female patients. The annual EuroPerio11 congress, set to take place in May 2025, has dedicated an entire session to exploring the often-overlooked topic.
Leading expert Professor Lior Shapira stressed that hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman's life can significantly impact oral tissues and increase the risk of gum disease. "The EuroPerio 11 scientific committee recognized the need to shed light on these gender-specific factors, emphasizing how oral health care for women requires tailored approaches at different life stages," Professor Shapira noted.
While some oral health professionals may be aware of the basics, there is a significant gap in understanding the full extent of how hormonal changes can influence oral health. "Few professionals are trained to recognize and treat the periodontal implications of pregnancy or menopause," the professor emphasized. The intricate relationship between reproductive life stages and oral health demands more research, training, and awareness among dental professionals.
Dr Purnima Kumar, a renowned expert from the United States, highlighted the urgent need for more research and greater awareness. "By properly treating one generation, we are impacting the following one," she warned. Dr Kumar noted that research has shown that women's oral health during pregnancy can have serious consequences not only for the mother but also for her child.
Current evidence suggests that women were historically excluded from research on their unique needs. As a result, there is a significant shortage of data and gaps that need to be filled. "Women go through specific hormonal changes during menstruation, reproduction, pregnancy, lactation, IVF, menopause, and hormone replacement," Dr Kumar explained.
A key takeaway from the session at EuroPerio11 is that oral health care for women requires a more personalized approach. As the discipline of dentistry continues to evolve toward "personalized medicine," experts stress that women need special care at different stages of their lives. Dr Shapira underscored that awareness and proactive oral health advice are essential for promoting overall wellbeing among women.
The interconnected nature of oral and systemic health demands stronger collaboration between dental professionals, other healthcare providers, and patients. To foster healthier outcomes for women, tailored oral health advice, timely dental care, and effective communication between gynaecologists, GPs, dentists, and patients are vital.