Effects of gender-related factors on the incidence of localized alveolar osteitis

Numerous literature references have suggested increased risk for localized alveolar osteitis associated with female gender, use of oral contraceptives, and point in menstrual/contraceptive cycle. However, the available information has not been systematically considered with the intent to accurately estimate the magnitude of these effects. The present review suggests that under certain conditions, some of which may be avoidable, females may have at least a two to threefold increase in osteitis risk compared with males. It appears that this greater risk may be reduced by considering hormonal cycles when scheduling elective exodontia.