If you have PCOS, you may have already encountered a few issues with your oral hygiene. While no direct studies point toward the direct connection between PCOS and dental problems, there are personal observations on how PCOS may cause rancid breath or more severe dental issues also. Let’s deep dive to understand this better — What causes dental problems in people with PCOS? Insulin Resistance Insulin resistance is one of the most common symptoms of PCOS, starting in the mouth. Your saliva starts to secrete too much sugar when your blood sugar isn't well controlled, and your body has high levels of chronic insulin resistance. This could harm your teeth in the same way that regularly eating a lot of candy would—increased cavities, foul breath, gum inflammation, and ultimately gum disease. Inflammation In the body, chronic inflammation is aggravated by gingivitis. This is crucial for PCOS patients since immune system activation is caused by bodily inflammation. And after an immunological response has been activated, PCOS symptoms are more likely to worsen. It is increasing persistent low-grade inflammation as a result. Hormonal Imbalance PCOS impacts your hormone levels. This is particularly true when it comes to sex hormones, as many PCOS patients experience low progesterone and excessive levels of estrogen (aka estrogen dominance). The pH balance in your body, especially within your mouth, might be impacted by this hormone imbalance. Some bacteria grow more or less, and others die off when the pH in your mouth is off. This healthy and harmful bacteria imbalance may result from inflammation, gum disease, and gingivitis. How to prevent oral issues with PCOS? Manage your symptoms By managing the symptoms mentioned above of PCOS, you can control their impact on oral hygiene without causing any damage. Make sure to follow the necessary lifestyle changes to ease the symptoms of PCOS. Practice good oral hygiene. Follow the basics - Brush your teeth twice during the day. Floss Regularly. Consider a mouthwash to freshen up your breath. And avoid too much sugar just for your oral health and your PCOS if it triggers your symptoms and you're at a potential risk of diabetes. Reduce Chronic Inflammation Managing the symptoms of PCOS and keeping your mouth healthy go hand in hand with reducing chronic inflammation. Not only will working to avoid potential inflammatory triggers help prevent inflammation that causes oral health problems, but it will also give your immune system the space it needs to treat such problems. Conclusion PCOS does not define who you are. You're more than the symptoms and your smile matters. Make sure to stick to the basics and lean into the lifestyle that will benefit you to that smile shining!

Read more