Women’s oral health: a lifelong priority

Women’s oral health is a crucial component of overall wellbeing that receives less attention than it deserves. The EFP has just issued a press release calling for more research and awareness on this topic. The subject will be extensively discussed during EuroPerio11, the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry, taking place in Vienna from 14 to 17 May 2025.

Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life - starting from puberty and continuing through pregnancy, menopause, and beyond - can have a profound impact on oral health. These changes can increase the risk of gum disease, influence systemic health, and contribute to complications during pregnancy and other life stages. Despite the clear links, women’s oral health remains under-researched, and many oral health professionals are not fully aware of how these hormonal shifts affect oral tissues and treatment needs.

A key session at EuroPerio11 titled “Women’s oral health – time to explore” will bring this critical issue to the forefront. The session, scheduled for 15 May 2025, will be moderated by Dr Purnima Kumar, a leading expert from the US. Dr Kumar emphasises the need for more focused research, explaining that the hormonal fluctuations women experience throughout life require a more personalised approach to oral health care.

"Women’s health, including oral health, is often overlooked in standard care approaches, even though hormonal changes can significantly impact oral tissues," Kumar explains. "We need dedicated research and tailored treatments to better address these unique needs."

The session will feature renowned experts, including Dr Orly Nir Shapira, who will address the impact of menopause on oral health, Dr Egija Zaura who will explain the link between women’s health and microbiome development and Dr Nagihan Bostanci, who will discuss how pregnancy affects the oral microbiome. These discussions will shed light on how women's oral health care can be improved at every life stage, encouraging healthcare professionals to consider a more holistic, gender-specific approach when treating female patients.

EuroPerio11 presents a unique opportunity to delve into these critical issues. The congress, taking place from 14 to 17 May 2025 at the Messe Wien in Vienna, will provide a platform for dental professionals to gain valuable insights into the latest research and best practices in periodontology and oral health care.

Join us at EuroPerio11 to explore the connection between women’s oral health and overall wellbeing and how healthcare professionals can better support women throughout their lives.

Read the press release

More on oral health and pregnancy

EuroPerio11 session