Certain Contraceptives Could Harm Teeth

Some Birth Control Can Cause Dental Issues

According to the Journal of Periodontology , research indicates injectable progesterone contraceptives may be associated with poor periodontal health. Researchers found that women who take depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) or who have taken DMPA in the past are more likely to develop gingivitis and periodontitis. DMPA is a long lasting progestin-only injectable contraceptive administered intramuscularly every three months.

Both periodontitis and gingivitis are signs of poor oral health. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and can cause the gums to become swollen, red, and bleed easily, while periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. It is the most severe form of gum disease and can lead to tooth loss. Other inflammatory diseases have been associated with gum disease, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted the study from women ages 15-44. The participants were non-pregnant, premenopausal women who had provided DMPA usage data indicating current usage, past usage, or no usage of DMPA. The women received dental examinations that noted periodontal pocket assessment at two of three sites per tooth, clinical attachment loss, and presence of gingival bleeding.

The study found that current and past DMPA users had significantly increased periodontal pockets, gingival bleeding, and clinical attachment loss compared to women who had never used DMPA. The results were adjusted for race, age, poverty income level, education, and smoking status. Past DMPA users were more likely to have periodontitis, while current DMPA users were more likely to have gingivitis.

“These findings suggest that women that use or have used a hormone-based injectable contraception such as DMPA may have increased odds of poor periodontal health. I would encourage women that use or previously used this form of contraception to maintain excellent oral care and to be sure to see a dental professional for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation on an annual basis,” said Dr. Pamela McClain, president of the American Academy of Periodontology.

If you have been or are currently taking DMPA, it would be wise to schedule an appointment with your dentist to assess your periodontal health. Only a trained dental and gum health professional can accurately diagnose the conditions of gums and teeth. Hormones can play a role in women’s oral health, and it is important to see a dentist to make sure you are achieving optimal health for your own sake.

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