Understanding the rhythm of change

Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can influence the body in subtle ways, including the health of the gums. At certain points in the cycle, the gums may feel more sensitive, reactive or prone to inflammation.

Understanding these changes can help you adapt your routine to better support comfort and maintain a balanced, healthy mouth.

 A monthly connection most miss 

It’s well-known that menstruation comes with a range of symptoms ­– cramps, bloating, mood changes, fatigue – but there is one effect of the menstrual cycle that rarely gets talked about: the impact on your teeth and gums.

If you’ve ever noticed that your gums feel more tender or bleed more easily in the days before or during your period, you’re not imagining it. This is a real, documented phenomenon … and hormones are to blame.[i]

What goes on in your mouth during your cycle?

In the days leading up to your period, progesterone levels rise significantly. This increase in progesterone causes blood vessels in the gum tissue to dilate, increasing blood flow and making gums more reactive to the bacteria found in plaque. The result is a condition sometimes referred to as ‘menstrual gingivitis’ – temporary gum inflammation that typically appears a day or two before your period begins and resolves once it’s gone.

Symptoms can include swollen, red, or sensitive gums, increased bleeding when brushing, and occasionally small mouth ulcers or sores along the gum line. For most people, these symptoms are mild and short-lived. But for those who already have some degree of gum sensitivity, the hormonal spike can make things noticeably worse.[i]

When does it happen?

For some people this happens every month. If you track your cycle, you may start to notice a pattern: recurring gum sensitivity that coincides predictably with the luteal phase.[i] This is completely normal, but it does mean that your gums need extra care at this point in your cycle, not less.

The temptation when gums feel sore or bleed easily is to brush less frequently or for less time. In the short term, this feels better, but it actually allows plaque to build up at exactly the time when your gums are least equipped to handle it.

The solution: gentle but thorough

What your gums need during this time is a toothbrush that’s soft enough not to aggravate already sensitised tissue, but effective enough to keep plaque under control throughout the month.

The Curaprox CS 5460 Ultra Soft toothbrush is designed with precisely this in mind. Its 5,460 ultra-soft Curen® filaments clean thoroughly without irritating sensitive gum tissue – so you can brush confidently even when your gums are at their most reactive. The CS 5460 has also received the MTick® certification for products trusted to be fully menopause-friendly. For those who experience more significant cyclical sensitivity, the CS 12460 Velvet, with 12,460 incredibly fine filaments, offers the gentlest clean available while still removing plaque effectively.

Your cycle affects more of your body than you might expect. The right tools mean your oral health doesn’t have to suffer for it.

[1] Jawed STM, Tul Kubra Jawed K. Understanding the Link Between Hormonal Changes and Gingival Health in Women: A Review. Cureus. 2025;17(6):e85270. Published 2025 Jun 3. doi:10.7759/cureus.85270

[1] Women’s Hormones and Oral Health. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/hormones-oral-health

[1] York MAW DMD, MSD, RPh Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York William James Maloney, DDS Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Cardiology and Comprehensive Care, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New. Periodontal Changes in Females. www.uspharmacist.com. https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/periodontal-changes-in-females