Ovarian hormones and oral health: pregnancy gingivitis

The most common oral manifestation of increased levels of ovarian hormones is an increase in gingival inflammation with an accompanying increase in gingival exudate. Although plaque has been identified as the major etiologic agent of gingivitis, there are a number of known situations that exacerbate the condition. It is well-documented that pregnancy, puberty, menstrual cycle, and oral contraceptives all have been coupled with transient, self-limiting periods of gingivitis. A common feature these conditions share is an elevation in the plasma concentration of estrogens and progestins. This article will review the basic physiology of the estrogens and progestins and discuss the possible role these hormones play in the gingivitis occurring during pregnancy or oral contraceptive usage.