Why do my teeth hurt during my menstrual cycle?
Due to natural fluctuations of hormones through menstrual cycle, some women may notice consistent unpleasant sensations in their teeth and gums around their period. This sensation actually has a fancy name - menstruation gingivitis. It has nothing to do with the level of your oral hygiene, but is rather driven by changes in your hormones through menstrual cycle.
How can hormones make your teeth ache?
As you get closer to your period, two important menstrual cycle hormones (estrogen and progesterone) will peak, causing an increase in blood flow to your gums. Although this is a completely normal part of a natural menstrual cycle, if you have a hormonal imbalance, it may cause your gums become overly sensitive around this time.
The good news is as your period will start, the sensitivity should resolve itself. But who wants to suffer for multiple days in a row? Let's take a look at how you can use diet for menstrual cycle to help your gums to go through this period smoothly and symptom free.
How to use menstrual cycle food to help with period teeth ache? Three tips:
Increase intake of foods rich in omega-3 fats, such as wild fish, chia seeds, flaxseed or hemp seeds. Omega-3s are powerful natural fats that will help you to reduce swelling and inflammation, decrease pain and combat hormonal imbalance. If you want to learn more about anti-inflammatory nutrition and the best diet for menstrual cycle, you will love my menstrual cycle course for busy women here.
Boost your vitamin C foods to help your gum to heal. At least 1 orange or bell pepper or 2 medium sized kiwis a day is a great way to start!
Prepare your own natural chamomile mouthwash and rinse your mouth after eating throughout the day. There are multiple ways to prepare your mouthwash, but here is the simplest and my favourite one:
Natural chamomile mouthwash for menstruation gingivitis
Poor hot, freshly boiled water (1 cup) over 2 full teaspoons of dried chamomile (use Matricaria Chamomilla if available). Cover with a small plate and steep for about 15 minutes. Strain, cool to room temperature and use after eating. Prepare small fresh batches as needed or keep covered in a fridge for a few days.
Love you all and til next!
References:
Woelber JP, Bremer K, Vach K, König D, Hellwig E, Ratka-Krüger P, Al-Ahmad A, Tennert C. An oral health optimized diet can reduce gingival and periodontal inflammation in humans - a randomized controlled pilot study. BMC Oral Health. 2016 Jul 26;17(1):28. doi: 10.1186/s12903-016-0257-1. Erratum in: BMC Oral Health. 2016 Oct 6;16(1):109. PMID: 27460471; PMCID: PMC4962497. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4962497/
Safiaghdam H, Oveissi V, Bahramsoltani R, Farzaei MH, Rahimi R. Medicinal plants for gingivitis: a review of clinical trials. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2018 Oct;21(10):978-991. doi: 10.22038/IJBMS.2018.31997.7690. PMID: 30524670; PMCID: PMC6281068.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6281068/