Cigna Healthcare’s 2026 Dental Trends Report on women’s oral health identifies four key opportunities to integrate oral health into broader patient care discussions.

The 2026 Dental Trends Report examines how women’s oral health needs can evolve across different life stages and health circumstances.

From puberty and pregnancy to menopause, the report highlights opportunities for providers to incorporate oral health into broader conversations about prevention and whole-person health.

“Oral health may not be the reason a patient seeks care, but it can be an important part of the broader health conversation,” said Dr. Rick Watson, National Medical Executive, Cigna Healthcare. “Across a woman’s life stages, the health conditions providers discuss with patients daily can also affect oral health, creating meaningful opportunities for education, encouraging preventive care and better coordination of care.”

Here are four key moments to discuss oral health across a woman’s health journey.

During Pregnancy and Postpartum Care

One of the report’s most significant findings focuses on the relationship between maternal health and oral health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase susceptibility to gingivitis and gum inflammation. The report also notes that oral health concerns can continue into the postpartum period.

What providers should know: Approximately 65%-70% of pregnant women experience gingivitis, according to the report. Pregnancy and postpartum visits provide an opportunity to discuss preventive dental care and reinforce oral health as part of comprehensive maternal care.

During Adolescence and Early Adulthood

Adolescence is a period of significant hormonal, behavioral, and lifestyle changes. The report notes that approximately 13% of those aged 12–15 have untreated tooth decay, which can be amplified based on their race and economic status. The report also notes that puberty can increase sensitivity to plaque and contribute to gingival inflammation. Young women in particular may also face higher risks associated with untreated tooth decay, tooth erosion, vaping, smoking, and social media-driven dental trends.

What providers should know: As young women establish lifelong health habits, providers can help reinforce evidence-based oral health information and address misinformation that may be encountered through social media and other sources.

When Supporting Girls and Women with Behavioral Health Needs

The report highlights important connections between women’s behavioral health and oral health outcomes. Depression may contribute to declines in self-care, while eating disorders have been associated with tooth erosion, dry mouth, gingival inflammation, increased cavity risk, and deterioration in oral hygiene habits.

What providers should know: Depression and eating disorders can affect oral health in meaningful ways. Research cited in the report found that teen and young adult females with bulimia were 10 times more likely to experience tooth erosion than their peers. Conversations about behavioral health may present opportunities to discuss preventive dental care and appropriate referrals.

During Menopause and Healthy Aging Discussions

The report outlines several oral health changes associated with menopause and declining estrogen levels. Women may experience dry mouth, changes in taste, gum sensitivity, receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and even loose teeth associated with changes in bone density.

What providers should know: Many women may not realize menopause can affect oral health. Discussions about healthy aging can include education around these changes and encourage conversations with dental providers when concerns arise.

Oral health may not always be top of mind during every patient encounter, but the 2026 Dental Trends Report highlights how it can intersect with key moments across a woman’s health journey, from adolescence and pregnancy to menopause.

To learn more about the findings and recommendations, read the full 2026 Dental Trends Report.