Oral Biofilm and Gender-Specific Health Considerations

Oral biofilm plays a central role in the development of periodontal and systemic diseases, with growing evidence highlighting significant gender-specific differences. Hormonal fluctuations in women, during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and with oral contraceptive use, may alter the composition and behavior of oral biofilm, increasing susceptibility to gingival inflammation and periodontal disease. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), osteoporosis, and pregnancy-associated gingivitis further demonstrate the influence of endocrine factors on oral health. In men, higher rates of severe periodontitis are observed, potentially linked to testosterone-related immune responses and behavioral factors with associations to lower sperm counts, increased incidence of prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction. These distinctions underscore the importance of considering sex-specific biology in both the prevention and management of oral and systemic diseases influenced by biofilm. This study reviews the connections between gender-specific health and oral biofilm.