Women's oral health: why sex and gender matter

Abstract

This article examines the differences and interaction between sex and gender, and how they affect women's oral and general health. The authors provide a definition of women's health, and examples of how this definition can be used to describe various oral health conditions and diseases in women. The article reviews the research on sex and gender and provides examples of their interactions. Examples of oral diseases that affect primarily women are reviewed. Advice for clinicians on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of these conditions is provided.