09/24/2026
100% of the time, this happens every time 💁♀️
Did you know that taking hormonal birth control can impact your oral health? Changes in hormone levels can affect the blood supply to your gums and how your body responds to plaque. And, you guessed it, hormonal birth control can influence those hormone levels. 🦷
So what does that actually look like? Red, swollen or sensitive gums, inflammation, and even gum recession can all be connected to hormonal changes. Research cited by the Cleveland Clinic also shows that hormones like progesterone can increase the gums’ response to plaque and bacteria.
And there’s more: a study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that women using injectable birth control (DMPA) had a higher risk of periodontal conditions, including inflammation, plaque buildup and loss of gum tissue, compared with women who had never used it. (Taichman, LS., Sohn, W., Kolenic, G., Sowers, M., 2012).
Next time you visit your dentist, make sure to tell them what medications and birth control you're taking! It could make all the difference in how you care for your oral and overall health. ❤️