[Hormonal contraceptives and periodontium]

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Periodontology
• Endocrinology

Context:

• Gingival changes, including hyperplasia and growths like pregnancy epulis, are documented with oral hormonal contraception.
• The relationship between sex hormone activity and alterations in gingiva and oral mucosa is a known clinical phenomenon.

Purpose:

• To discuss clinical changes in the gingiva associated with oral hormonal contraception.
• To explore the causal link between sexual hormone activity and gingival/oral mucosa modifications.
• To present experimental findings on sulcus fluid flow rate in relation to combination contraceptive preparations.

Summary:

• Literature review on gingival changes (hyperplasia, pregnancy epulis) linked to oral hormonal contraceptives.
• Experimental data indicates that increased gingival sulcus fluid flow under combination preparation use is largely independent of heightened gingival inflammation.
• This suggests hormonal influence on fluid dynamics may occur without a proportional inflammatory response.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the mechanisms of gingival alterations during hormonal contraception.
• Differentiates between hormonal effects and inflammatory responses in gingival changes.
• Informs clinical management and patient counseling regarding oral health during hormonal therapy.