Regular visits with a dentist play an important role in helping to maintain overall health. This is especially true for women, whose unique body chemistry can have a negative effect on their oral health if left unchecked.

Here are three reasons why you shouldn't put off regular dental exams over the course of your lifetime.

1. Taking oral contraceptives could affect oral health.

Many women rely on oral contraceptives to avoid pregnancy. While these pills can be beneficial in preventing an unplanned pregnancy, they can have an adverse effect on oral health. The hormones found in oral contraceptives can trigger an inflammatory response in the gum tissue.

If you notice that your gums become red, sensitive, or more irritable after you begin taking an oral contraceptive, it's important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist. If no dental problems are contributing to the inflammation of your gum tissue, your dentist might suggest that you try a different contraceptive that won't have a long-term effect on the health of your gums.

2. Periodontal disease can negatively affect the health of a fetus.

Over the course of a pregnancy, regular dental care for the expectant mother is critical. If you have developed periodontal disease, this oral condition could have an adverse effect on the health of your developing fetus.

Researchers have found that periodontal disease increases an expectant mother's levels of prostaglandin. Elevated levels of prostaglandin could lead to premature delivery. Working with your dentist to carefully monitor periodontal disease during pregnancy is advised if you want to avoid the complications associated with this dental condition.

3. Hormonal changes during menopause can cause dental problems.

Even if you have experienced few dental problems throughout your life, going through menopause could bring on new dental issues that must be dealt with. When estrogen levels in the body are reduced during menopause, you may notice that your mouth becomes more dry.

Bacteria grow more readily in a dry mouth, contributing to tooth decay and a receding gum line. Regular dental exams will help you combat the effects of a dry mouth, and your dentist can suggest an oral hygiene routine that will help reduce levels of decay caused by accelerated bacterial growth in the future.

Understanding the unique dental needs of a woman over the course of a lifetime will help you more readily take advantage of the health benefits regular dental visits can provide you in the future. Speak with professionals like Schererville Family Dentistry, PC for more information.