You’re likely familiar with the ways your menstrual cycle can impact other parts of your body, from your skin to your breasts to your brain. But did you know your period can affect your gums as well?
So how exactly does that play out? To learn more about the connection between the menstrual cycle and oral health, HuffPost asked dentists, an endocrinologist and an OB-GYN to break it down.
How does your menstrual cycle affect your gums?
“Hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can cause your gums to be more sensitive and prone to inflammation,” Dr. Anjali Rajpal, a dentist and founder of Beverly Hills Dental Arts, told HuffPost. “The hormonal changes can cause your gums to be more reactive to the bacteria in plaque, increasing the chances of gingivitis or early stage gum disease.”
This reaction specifically stems from the change in estrogen and progesterone levels before and during your period.
“As estrogen levels increase, there is more blood flow to the gums, and progesterone can also increase inflammation, sometimes making the gums more reactive,” said Dr. Margaret Nachtigall, a reproductive endocrinologist and clinical associate professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Health.
As a result of these hormonal shifts, your gum tissue might become more swollen and tender and even bleed. Redness and irritation are common.
“It’s somewhat like how hormones can impact your mood ― they similarly influence your oral tissues and their response to daily stresses like microbes,” said Dr. Kami Hoss, a dentist and author of “If Your Mouth Could Talk.”
These fluctuations temporarily alter the environment of your mouth and shift the balance of inflammation.
“Higher estrogen and progesterone levels cause the blood vessels in the gingival tissues to dilate, making them more sensitive, swollen, and also prone to bleeding,” said Dr. Erin Fraundorf, an orthodontist and founder of Boca Studio. “Similar to bloating in other parts of the body during menstruation, gum tissues may retain additional fluid, adding to the feeling of tenderness or puffiness.”
She added that you might experience a heightened immune response during this time as well.
“Basically, the progesterone can affect how the collagen of the gingiva gets produced, and it can affect the capillary permeability as well,” said Dr. Christine Greves, an OB-GYN at Orlando Health Women’s Institute Center for Obstetrics & Gynecology. “This can result in the production of more prostaglandins, which are basically compounds that can cause inflammation and pain.”
Experts also refer to this phenomenon as “menstruation gingivitis.” Similar conditions can occur during puberty and pregnancy as well.
“Pregnant women or people taking birth control pills can notice changes in their gum health,” noted Dr. Sepideh Jalali, a dentist with The Tooth Club. “And if you are dealing with PCOS, endometriosis or hormone therapy, your gums will become more sensitive.”
How else can your menstrual cycle affect your oral health?
Gum sensitivity and bleeding isn’t the full extent of your menstrual cycle’s impact on your oral health.
“Some women experience an increase in canker sores, mouth ulcers, or increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods around their periods,” Hoss said.
He noted that hormonal fluctuations can also cause changes in taste or temporarily affect saliva composition, making your mouth feel different.
“Estrogen influences saliva production, which can alter the balance of oral bacteria, causing certain bacteria to thrive in the presence of higher hormone levels,” Rajpal said. “You may experience canker sores or small ulcers, as well as a change in saliva production where if it manifests as dry mouth instead of excess saliva, you can be more prone to cavities.”
She added that all of these changes can ultimately lead to bad breath as well ― but it’s generally temporary.
“While these symptoms typically subside quickly, they’re very real and can impact comfort and daily routines,” Hoss said.
What can you do to prevent or mitigate these issues?
“Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is always important, but it’s especially crucial during your period,” Fraundorf said.
She suggested switching to products designed for sensitivity if your gums are feeling more tender and prone to irritation.
“Keep on top of flossing, brushing twice a day and investing in other oral appliances such as using a water flosser,” advised Dr. Elizabeth Walton, co-founder and clinical director of Risas Dental Phoenix.
Indeed, regular brushing and flossing can minimize discomfort. Hoss recommended trying gentle oral care products ― toothpastes with soothing ingredients like nano-hydroxyapatite or with prebiotics like inulin.
“Choosing an extra-soft, high-quality toothbrush with bristles made of ultra-soft polyester instead of traditional nylon can make a significant difference,” Hoss said. “These specialized bristles are gentler on sensitive gums and tissues yet still highly effective at removing plaque. Small choices like this can dramatically enhance oral comfort and health, particularly during hormonal fluctuations.”
Don’t forget to check your mouthwash, too.
“Alcohol-free mouthwashes can reduce plaque and soothe sore gums from hormone changes,” Shahidi said. “A key ingredient to look for is chlorhexidine or essential oils for protection.”
What you eat and drink can make a difference as well.
“Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water supports saliva production and helps wash away bacteria,” Fraundorf noted. “While cravings for junk food may be tempting, try to limit sugary and acidic foods, as they can worsen inflammation and contribute to bacteria buildup.”
If you experience gum discomfort, she recommended rinsing with warm salt water to help soothe the irritation.
In general, you want to keep up with your regular dental visits and be mindful of any changes.
“Paying attention to oral health during your menstrual cycle isn’t just about comfort ― it’s a proactive step toward maintaining total body health,” Hoss said. “The mouth isn’t isolated. It’s deeply interconnected with systemic health, and staying mindful of this connection empowers you to live healthier, happier lives.”
When should you seek medical attention?
“While mild gum sensitivity and inflammation during your period are temporary and nothing to be concerned about, there are times when seeking professional dental care is necessary,” Fraundorf said. “These symptoms often subside once your period ends, but if gum issues persist outside of your menstrual cycle or worsen significantly, it’s best to consult a dentist to rule out underlying gum disease.”
Symptoms that may indicate a more serious underlying issue include persistent or severe gum bleeding that doesn’t stop after your period ends, intense pain and chronic bad breath, which can stem from bacterial buildup and gum disease.
“Any significant discomfort, redness or swelling that doesn’t resolve may indicate an infection or periodontal or advanced gum disease,” Fraundorf said. “If you notice your gums are receding, it could be a sign of periodontal disease or other dental concerns like toothbrush abrasion.”
Sores that don’t heal can also signal an infection in need of prompt treatment.
“It is especially crucial to visit a dentist if you have persistent bleeding, painful gums, gum recession, ulcers, persistent bad breath, or any signs of infection such as specific areas of swelling, abscesses or pus draining,” Rajpal said. “Routine hygiene visits to the dentist can help catch potential problems before they cause long-term damage.”
Basically, don’t ignore consistent, severe or worsening symptoms. Seek a professional’s opinion instead.
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“Persistent changes might also indicate unrelated oral health issues, underlying systemic problems, including hormone imbalances or nutritional deficiencies, which should be evaluated comprehensively by your health care provider,” Hoss said.
Ultimately, you just want to pay attention to the issues that are typical at various points in your menstrual cycle so that you can recognize the ones that are unusual. Don’t compare yourself to others but to yourself and your “normal.”
“It’s important to get to know your body, so if you notice a change, you can reach out to your doctor or dentist about it,” Greves said. “We’re all unique individuals, but what’s your normal? And are you noticing a change in your normal that’s affecting your life or bothering you? If so, try to get help.”