With all the changes taking place in a woman's body during stages like puberty, pregnancy, lactation, menstruation and menopause, women can expect some oral health changes as well. Elevated or decreased levels of sex hormones can also jump start oral-health problems.

Early on, menstruation may cause swollen gums and mouth sores. Later in life, women going through menopause may experience oral problems like pain, burning sensation, altered taste, and dry mouth, as well as bone loss due to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by a decrease in bone mass with decreased density and enlargement of bone spaces.

Pregnant women frequently experience increased oral sensitivity and often suffer inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis, due to hormonal changes. Along with a strict oral hygiene routine, the patient should begin a personal and professional plaque control regimen to treat or prevent gingivitis.

"During pregnancy, women can expect to see changes in their mouth. Gingivitis is common, partly due to hormonal changes," says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Barbara J. Steinberg, DDS.

Dr. Steinberg says women may need more frequent dental exams during pregnancy, and recommends that women "even contemplating pregnancy," get an oral exam.

When your dentist asks you whether you have recently given birth, might possibly be pregnant, are breast feeding or are going through menopause, the dentist isn't just nosy. This information is crucial to your oral care.