PMS, Pregnancy and your gums

Gum tissue is very influenced by female hormones.  There is a lot of scientific literature on gums becoming inflammed and/or bleeding during a certain point of the menstrual (PMS) cycle.  Pregnant women may also notice that their gums will begin to hurt and/or bleed.  Keeping your gums clean with regular dental flossing, Listerine (or generic equivalent) mouthwash and regular professional dental cleanings should greatly help reduce this discomfort and bleeding for those women whose gums are otherwise healthy.  Women who have more severe gums problems should seek out a periodontist (gum specialist).

It is also worth noting that phobic, i.e. fearful, female dental patients might want to avoid dental cleanings during the time in their menstrual cycle that their gum tissue is most sensitive.