Did You Know Your Menstrual Cycle Could Be Affecting Your Gums And Overall Oral Health?

While most women anticipate physical and emotional changes during their menstrual cycle, very few are aware that hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact oral health. Bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, or a sudden onset of bad breath in the days leading up to menstruation are often dismissed as minor inconveniences or unrelated events. However, these symptoms may be part of a clinically recognized phenomenon: hormonal gingivitis.

Hormonal influence

The soft tissues of the oral cavity—including the gums, tongue, and salivary glands—are highly responsive to estrogen and progesterone. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, these hormones increase vascular permeability and inflammatory response in the gingival tissues. As a result, women may experience:

Swollen, tender gums

Gum bl