Contraceptive injection may be associated with gum disease
Women who are concerned about family planning have several options to consider, including a prescription to buy Canadian Mirena, an intrauterine device.
Women who are concerned about family planning have several options to consider, including a prescription to buy Canadian Mirena, an intrauterine device. There are also injectable contraceptives such as depotmedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). However, new research suggests that this form of birth control may be associated with periodontal disease, which affects the gums and bone that support the teeth.
DMPA is administered as an intramuscular shot every three months. In order to assess the relationship between the contraceptive and dental health, the researchers reviewed data collected from the NHANES 1999-2004 public use data sets, including women aged 15 to 44 years. Subjects provided information about whether they were current, past or non-users of DMPA.
After controlling for factors such as age, race and income, results showed that women who were using DMPA at the time of the survey, as well as past users, were more likely to have symptoms of periodontal disease, which is associated with heart complications and other chronic inflammatory conditions. Current users were more likely to have gingivitis while some past users developed periodontitis.
The results suggest that hormones can influence periodontal health.
"I would encourage women that use or previously used [hormone-based injectable 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 Pamela McClain, president of the American Academy of Periodontology.
The study is published in the Journal of Periodontology.
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