Hormonal medications
Birth control pills and your teeth
Generic name: Combined oral contraceptives · Class: Combined hormonal contraceptive
Combined oral contraceptives use estrogen and a progestin to prevent pregnancy and are also used for cycle regulation, acne, and PMS.
Birth control pills can make gums more sensitive to plaque, particularly at certain points in the cycle. This is the same hormonal pattern that causes pregnancy gingivitis. Some patients also report dry mouth and a higher risk of dry socket after wisdom tooth extraction, especially with higher-estrogen formulations.
Birth control pills and dental care
Common questions patients have about Birth control pills.
Talk to us about your medications
Bring your medication list to your next visit.
We review every patient’s medications at every visit and adjust treatment planning when it matters. If you are starting a new medication or have a procedure coming up, mention it and we’ll walk through what to expect.