Gum Inflammation Rises During Ovulation

A study, the results of which were reported recently in the Journal of Periodontology, has found that women tend to have higher levels of gum inflammation during ovulation. The inflammation tends to decrease prior to their period and then to drop even lower while they are menstruating.

For the study, the researchers followed 15 women between the ages of 20 and 50 who scheduled teeth-cleaning visits several times a year. Each visit coincided with different points in their menstrual cycle. The results indicated that gum inflammation fluctuated with the menstrual cycle; however, the amount of plaque and other indicators of gum health did not. The participants tended to report more oral discomfort during the days before or while menstruating?near the time that their gum inflammation was decreasing, the researchers noted.