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Hormone Changes and Oral Health: What to Expect

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When thinking about your overall wellbeing, your oral health is an excellent place to begin. As we celebrate Women’s Health Week 2025 and the empowering theme “Say Yes to You”, it’s the perfect time to include your dental care in the conversation.

Hormonal changes across life stages – such as puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause – can significantly influence your mouth, gums, and teeth. By understanding how these shifts affect your oral health, you can take proactive steps toward feeling your best, all starting with your smile.

Hormones & Oral Health: What to Expect Through Life’s Stages

Teen Years and Gum Changes

During puberty, hormonal surges can lead to increased blood flow to the gums, making them more reactive to plaque. Gums may become swollen, tender, or bleed more easily – making daily brushing and flossing especially important during these formative years.

Pregnancy and Your Dental Wellbeing

Expecting mothers often notice changes in their oral health. Around 70% of pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis, which is gum irritation driven by elevated progesterone. If morning sickness is present, acid erosion and cavity risk can also rise. Early dental visits during pregnancy can help protect your teeth and gums throughout this important time.

Contraceptives and Gum Health

Hormonal birth control may cause mild gum irritation or increased sensitivity for some users. While this isn’t always noticeable, it’s a reminder of how hormones can influence your mouth – and why it’s helpful to keep your dentist informed of any medications you’re taking.

Perimenopause and Early Oral Symptoms

Before menopause fully begins, many women experience subtle but impactful changes like dry mouth or burning sensations. These symptoms can affect speaking, eating, and even your ability to maintain daily oral care comfortably.

Prioritise You, Prioritise Your Smile

Choosing to say “yes” to yourself means taking care of your health through every stage of life, and that includes maintaining your oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental visits can help you manage hormonal changes while keeping your smile strong.

At nib Dental, we’re here to support you with expert care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re noticing changes or simply staying on top of your routine, our team is ready to help you stay confident and healthy.

Book your next dental appointment today, and keep saying yes to you!

Sources:

Knowledge of Pregnant Women about Pregnancy Gingivitis and Children Oral Health – PMC

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Dental Health Week 2025: Win a kids electric toothbrush 

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Dental Health Week 2025 is fast approaching and to celebrate we would like to give all kids the opportunity to win an electric toothbrush and show their teeth some love. Download and enter our Dental Health Week colouring-in competition for a chance to win. 

 

 

Smilestones

Running from 4-10 August, Dental Health Week provides us with the perfect opportunity to remind you to book your whole family in for their regular dental check-ups. Regular check-ups are important to help identify early signs of tooth decay and reduce major dental work down the track.  

Our centres are open weekends and extended hours with appointments available to support your dental needs. 

Book an appointment at your local nib Dental centre and don’t forget to check if your kids are eligible for over $1000 in free* dental thanks to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. 

Download your Colouring-In Competition here 

 

Terms & Conditions

  1. Instructions on how to enter this promotion form part of the terms and conditions of entry. By participating in this competition, entrants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. 
  2. The promoter is Pacific Smiles Group Limited (ABN 42 103 087 449) of 6 Molly Morgan Drive, East Maitland NSW 2323. 
  3. Entry is open to all Australian residents aged 18 years and under. Employees (and their immediate families) of the Promoter and its related companies are not eligible to enter. 
  4. The promotion commences at 12:01am AEST on 4th August 2025 and closes at 11.59pm AEST on 17th August 2025 (Promotion Period). 
  5. To enter, Eligible Entrants must complete step 6 during the Promotion Period. Incomplete, illegible, or indecipherable entries will be deemed invalid. One entry per person is permitted. By entering this promotion, you agree to receive information and marketing communications via email, mail, or phone. 
  6. Entrants must upload an image of their completed colouring sheet and email to [email protected] or send by post Attention: Marketing, PO Box 2246, Green Hills NSW 2323. Only one entry per person will be accepted. 
  7. The Promoter reserves the right to verify the validity of entries and to disqualify any Eligible Entrant whom the Promoter believes either has tampered with the entry process or has submitted an entry otherwise than in accordance with these terms and conditions of entry. 
  8. The Promoter will not be held liable for any failure of receipt of entries. The Promoter takes no responsibility for any entries which are lost, delayed, illegible, corrupted, damaged, incomplete, or otherwise invalid. 
  9. Winners will receive a Colgate ProClinical Electric Toothbrush valued at $50. There will be 5 prizes given away across all age groups. 
  10. The prizes are as stated, and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The Prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer. The prize is not exchangeable, transferable or redeemable for cash. If the Promoter is unable to supply the nominated prize, the Promoter reserves the right to supply another prize of greater or equal value. 
  11. The winners of the prizes will be notified on 22nd August 2025 via telephone, then by email if no response. 
  12. In the event that the prize is not claimed by 11:59pm AEDT on the 29st August 2025 the judges will select an alternate winner. In the event that the alternate winner does not claim their prize by 11:59pm AEDT on the 5th September 2025 then the prize will be forfeited by the winner and neither cash nor any other prize will be awarded in lieu of that prize. 
  13. Eligible Entrants agree, at the Promoter’s request, to participate in any promotional activity (such as social media posts) surrounding this promotion or the winning of any prize. Eligible Entrants agree that they will not be remunerated for this participation. Eligible Entrants consent to the Promoter, its respective officers, employees, agents and associated companies using their name and image in any media in perpetuity, without limitation and without compensation to the Eligible Entrant. 
  14. To the fullest extent permitted by law and without limiting any other conditions of entry, the Promoter may, in its discretion, terminate, modify or suspend the promotion. All Eligible Entrants participating in the promotion at the point of termination, modification or suspension of the promotion will be notified by the Promoter in writing. In the event of modification or suspension of the promotion, the Eligible Entrant may choose to terminate their participation in the promotion at no cost. 
  15. Details from all entries, including an Eligible Entrant’s personal and contact details, will be collected and used for the purposes of conducting this promotion (which may include disclosure to third parties for the purpose of processing and conducting the promotion) and for publicity purposes surrounding this promotion. By entering this promotion Eligible Entrants consent to the use of their information as described. Eligible Entrants may access and/or change their data by following the procedures in the Promoter’s privacy policy which is available at https://www.pacificsmilesdental.com.au/privacy-policy. 
  16. Failure by the Promoter to exercise any of its rights contained within these terms and conditions at any time does not constitute a waiver of those rights. 
  17. Dental services are provided at nib Dental Centres by independent Practitioners. nib Dental is owned and operated by Pacific Smiles Group Limited ABN 42 103 087 449. 

Do All Sweet Drinks Damage Your Teeth?

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When it comes to oral health, your drink of choice plays a key role in keeping your smile bright and strong. Sugary drinks like soft drinks, fruit juices, and even sugar-free alternatives can all contribute to tooth decay. 

 

Why do sugary drinks cause tooth damage?

Sugar provides fuel for bacteria in your mouth, which produces acids that wear down tooth enamel. Over time, this can lead to cavities and tooth sensitivity. 

 

Do fruit juices contribute to tooth decay?

While fruit juices are seen as a healthier alternative, the natural sugars in fruit can still contribute to bacteria growth in the mouth. Fruit juices contain vitamins and antioxidants that other drinks may be missing, but they are also more acidic due to the fruit acids and this can contribute to tooth decay. Fruit juices may claim to have no added sugar but they still contain natural fruit sugars. 

 

Will fruit slices in water wear out my teeth?

Adding fruit such as lemon to water increases acidity and can contribute to tooth decay when you drink it frequently. It’s best to eat fruits and follow with plain water to rinse the sugar and acids from your mouth. Save sugary drinks and lemon water for special occasions! 

 

Are sugar free drinks a better alternative for oral health?

Drinks without sugar like zero sugar soft drinks still have food acids that can weaken enamel over time. 

 

How to protect your teeth

If you enjoy sugary drinks, try to limit your frequency and choose water instead. You can also drink water or chew sugar-free gum after a sweet drink to wash the sugar from your mouth. 

Your dentist can provide advice if you think sugary drinks are contributing to sensitivity or oral health concerns. Book an appointment today. 

Children’s Dental Visits: 4 Key Reasons Your Child Should Visit the Dentist Early

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Helping your child establish good oral hygiene habits early in life gives them a great head start for achieving a healthy and beautiful smile for life. As a parent, you’re the perfect role model for you child, so if they see you brushing your teeth morning and night, and you then do the same for them, they will view caring for their teeth as being a normal part of daily life.  

As part of establishing this routine for your child, it is important to not only supervise and encourage your child’s daily oral care regime, but to also partner with your dentist as a co-carer for your child’s teeth. By starting six monthly visits to your dentist early on, this too will become a normal process for your child and importantly, not something to be feared. 

 

1.Visiting at age 1 or with the first tooth?

It is generally recommended that children see a dentist for the first time when their first tooth becomes visible or at least by the time they reach 12 months of age.  

  • Familiarisation – While this may seem early, this visit allows the dentist to meet your child and for your child to become familiar with the dental environment.  
  • Early checks – The dentist will check the status of your child’s teeth and gums, and most importantly will provide advice on how best to care for your child’s teeth now that they have started to arrive. 
  • Preventative advice – Your dentist will guide them on brushing, flossing, fluoride use and diet and pacifier habits to help prevent decay occurring, especially if they are having sugary foods and drinks. 

 

2.The 6‑month dental cycle: Why it matters

Regular check-ups every six months help by: 

  • Reinforcing oral hygiene routines with parents and kids 
  • Identifying hidden plaque or overlooked areas and offering brushing/flossing tips 
  • Ensuring timely detection and simple treatment of decay 

 

3.Dental tips for the whole family 

  • Brush twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste 
  • Supervise brushing and flossing until at least age 7 
  • Limit sugary snacks and drinks; encourage water and fresh fruit/veg 
  • Avoid prolonged bottle-feeding or sugary pacifiers to reduce decay risk 

 

 

4.Finding a child-friendly dentist

  • A comfortable, welcoming environment for children 
  • Dentists with experience treating toddlers and infants 
  • Appointment times that fit around school schedules 

 

Book your child’s regular dental check-up with a child-friendly dentist at your local nib Dental centre. 

Understanding Your Child’s Tooth Eruption Stages

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There’s a lot of information about teething, and it can be helpful to know what is typical when it comes to your child’s tooth eruption. Teething is a normal developmental stage which happens throughout childhood. Although every child is an individual, for most, there is a typical pattern of tooth eruption and loss, also called shedding.   

From around the age of 6 months until 3 years, children will usually have all 20 of their baby teeth. These are also called primary, milk or deciduous teeth, and they’re just as precious as the adult teeth, which start forming in the gums many years before they erupt.

 

Tooth eruption ages and stages

  1. From around 6 years of age, kids start to lose their baby teeth. The roots are absorbed as the adult teeth start to push their way into the gums.   
  1. Generally, the last of the baby teeth have fallen out by around 12 years of age and are eventually replaced by 32 adult teeth.   
  1. The last teeth to erupt are the third molars, also known as the wisdom teeth. These usually appear in late adolescence.  Wisdom teeth can create problems, especially if there’s not enough room in the jaw for them to erupt properly. Overcrowding and impaction can cause pain as well as changes in the correct position of the other teeth. Regular dental check-ups are important throughout all stages of life, so your dentist can keep an eye on any issues that may arise. 

 

It’s common for children to have gaps between their teeth as individual teeth are lost and the spaces are eventually filled with permanent teeth.  

 

Each tooth has a name

  • Every tooth plays an important role. Some teeth are designed for biting – these are called the incisors (front teeth) and are positioned in the front of the mouth. Incisors can be central – in the middle, or lateral, at the side. Incisors come together like scissors to cut food as it goes into the mouth. 
  • The canines are the pointy teeth which sit beside the lateral incisors, they’re designed for biting and tearing food. 
  • Pre-molars have flat surfaces to crush food. Molars are for grinding and chewing food so it can soften and is then safe to swallow.   

Ideally, the teeth on the top and bottom of the mouth work together; this helps with chewing, speaking, and even breathing. The resting position of your child’s teeth can be an important indicator of their general oral health. This is one of the many features of your child’s teeth which the dentist will check during regular examinations. 

 

Order of tooth eruption 

  • The first teeth to erupt are the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors. 
  • The lateral incisors come next and are positioned on either side of the front teeth. 
  • The first molars come next, followed by the canines and finally, the second molars. 

Some children experience multiple tooth eruptions at the same time, and others have several months between new teeth emerging. There can be significant variation around the timing and order of tooth eruption. 

 

When should I take my child to see a dentist?

The general recommendation is to see a dentist by 1 year of age, no matter how many teeth a child has. Many parents start taking their baby along with them for their own appointments, which can help to build confidence and normalise oral care practices. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) covers part of the cost of some basic dental services for eligible children. 

Speak with your dentist about the correct way to brush and floss your baby’s teeth. Get your baby used to having their mouth, tongue and gums cleaned even before their very first tooth has erupted. It can also help to make tooth brushing fun. Book an appointment today to talk with your dentist about maintaining good oral health routines. 

 

 

 

https://orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/how-are-teeth-supposed-to-rest/    

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-development-in-children   

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/baby-teeth  

https://www.teeth.org.au/media/seue2hxd/ada2022-factsheet-tooth-eruption.pdf

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*For eligible nib members. 100% back on preventative check-ups depends on your level of cover and available limits. Services must be provided by a dentist in nib’s No Gap network and are subject to standard waiting periods, annual and service limits. Check-ups include examination, scale and clean, fluoride, and x-rays if needed.