Impact of female hormonal changes throughout life on oral health: A scoping review

This work looks at the impact of female hormonal fluctuations throughout life, during puberty, pregnancy and the menopause, on oral health. These physiological periods, marked by major variations in estrogen and progesterone levels, influence oral health, so the following question was formulated: to what extent do female hormonal fluctuations influence oral health? Through a scoping review of 37 scientific articles selected using a rigorous methodology (in particular using the Rayyan tool), it was possible to highlight clinical manifestations specific to each hormonal stage. In adolescent girls, puberty is frequently accompanied by exacerbated gingivitis, independent of dental plaque. During pregnancy, the increase in hormones leads to increased gingival inflammation and transient tooth mobility. Finally, the menopause is associated with a drop in female sex hormones, which can lead to dry mouth, altered salivary flora and accelerated bone loss, all of which contribute to the worsening of periodontal disease. These results underline the importance of a preventive and personalized approach to oral health care for patients, taking into account the hormonal context. They also highlight the collaboration between dentists, general practitioners and gynecologists, to optimize comprehensive care for women at every stage of their hormonal life.