Gum Disease Tops List of Women's Oral Health Concerns in First-Ever California Women Dentist Survey; Periodontal Disease Heightened by Pregnancy, Hormones.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--June 2, 1999--

Number of Women Practicing Dentistry More Than Doubled in 10 Years

In a first of its kind survey of more than 100 California women dentists, women professionals cite the biggest oral health problem for women is the onset of periodontal disease, or gum disease, which can strike them at different times than men, due to pregnancy and hormonal changes, particularly during menopause.

The California Dental Association (CDA) polled its women leadership on a variety of topics affecting oral health concerns unique to their women patients, their experiences as women in the dental profession and the types of dental procedures that women patients requested most.

"Since women in dentistry and in leadership positions are growing rapidly, we wanted to get a sense of how they view the profession and inform all women of oral health problems that may be unique to them," said Timothy F. Comstock, executive director of the California Dental Association.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), in 1997 there were 25,251 women dentists in the United States, an increase from 10,947 in 1986. In 1979 there were only 1,987 women dentists.

The survey showed that 48 percent of the women dentists surveyed feel that periodontal disease is the biggest oral health concern for their women patients. Although this oral disease strikes both men and women, women are more susceptible and the disease can become much more severe during pregnancy and again later in life.

Anti-depressants, diuretics and anti-allergy medications taken by women can contribute to periodontal disease by decreasing the amount of saliva in the mouth. This creates an optimal environment for disease to flourish. Additionally, the increased use of estrogen replacement therapies and other medications taken by menopausal women can contribute to increased gum disease.

"I have noticed a profound effect of hormonal and other drugs on the periodontal condition of my female patients. As women begin experiencing menopausal symptoms, they become more aware of their overall health and receive more prescription therapies. They should also become aware of how these drugs may interact with their body's natural system of fighting other diseases," said Nicky Hakimi, DDS, a CDA member and practicing Sacramento periodontist.

"Some may need more frequent teeth and gum cleanings to keep gum disease at bay."

Survey questions also focused on the professional and family lives of women dentists. More than 62 percent felt that managing their career was the biggest challenge that affects their professional lives, compared with 35 percent that felt that caring for family was more of a challenge.

In addition, 66 percent cited job fulfillment as the reason for becoming a dentist, with job flexibility coming in second at 58 percent. Seventy-four percent of those polled believe that they serve as a strong role model for other women considering health care vocations.

These women leaders also felt that establishing a practice and becoming financially sound after facing school loans, were the biggest hurdles for young women dentists. For women with established practices, respondents felt that balancing the demands of dentistry with family concerns was a key issue.

"There are so many opportunities for women leaders, not only in organized dentistry, but in all careers to serve as role models in their communities," said Comstock. "Our women dental leaders participate in a variety of activities, and it's clear from this poll that they have the desire and capacity to achieve their goals, despite their challenges."

And the procedures that women patients request most often when entering the dental office? Teeth whitening took the top spot at 39 percent, ahead of the replacement of old fillings with new white composite filling at 31 percent. Veneers, or tooth coverings to fill gaps or cover stained or badly shaped teeth, was third at 12 percent.

For more information about this poll or to obtain a copy, call Lynne Randolph, director of public relations at the California Dental Association: 916/443-3382 ext. 4570.