Menopause and Oral Health: What You Need to Know
There is nothing more beautiful and warm than a big smile. And, with a few preventive lifestyle strategies, you can maintain your smile and overall oral health through menopause and beyond.
We all know that menopause is a transformative phase in a woman’s life, bringing about hormonal changes that can impact overall health. What many of us are not aware of is how it can impact our oral health as well. Despite its significance, the connection between menopause and oral health often goes overlooked. A 2024 review article titled "Menopause and Oral Health: Clinical Implications and Preventive Strategies" provides details on this connection. Here’s what you need to know about how to protect your smile during peri- and postmenopause.
Understanding the Role of Hormones
Fluctuating hormone levels during menopause, especially estrogen, can influence oral health due to estrogen receptors that are present in the moist inner lining of the mouth, salivary glands, and periodontal (teeth-supporting) tissue. Decreased estrogen production may lead to reduced saliva production, making the mouth more susceptible to dryness, cavities, and infections. Understanding this is essential to maintaining overall oral health and reducing potential risks.
Common Oral Health Issues During Menopause
According to the 2024 review, during peri- and postmenopause, women may report experiencing a number of issues: dry or burning mouth; receding gumlines and/or bleeding gums; tooth sensitivity, shifting and even loss; altered taste sensation; and/or sensitivity, irritation or ulcers in the mouth. Unfortunately, few women are aware of the connection between the risk of these changes and menopause hormonal changes. In fact, according to a survey of 1,061 women aged 50 and above by Delta Dental Institute, 84% were unaware of how menopause impacts their oral health and only 2% of women have discussed menopause-related oral health concerns with their dentist.
5 Tips to Protect Your Oral Health: What can you do to protect your smile?
Stay Hydrated: Combat dry mouth by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Prioritize Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily to reduce plaque buildup. If you are not already using, consider adding flouride toothpaste and antimicrobial (alcohol-free recommended) mouthwash to your routine.
Optimize Your Diet: Be sure to get the recommended Calcium, Vitamin D and other nutrients to support bone and oral health. Limit sugary and acidic foods, alcohol and tobacco to protect enamel, prevent cavities, and reduce the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
Practice Stress Management: Stress can contribute to teeth grinding and jaw pain. Yoga or meditation techniques can help. Regular exercise can also help to reduce stress and benefit gum health by improving circulation.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Routine checkups and cleanings can help you identify and address menopause-related oral health issues early.
Remember, oral health is closely linked to overall health. Conditions like gum disease have been associated with systemic issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Maintaining your oral health during menopause can contribute to better overall well-being. By taking the proactive steps above, you can navigate menopause with a healthy smile on your face. And, be sure to inform both your dentist and primary care physician about any changes you observe in your oral health. Early detection is key to maintaining your smile and overall health and wellbeing!
READY TO OPTIMIZE YOUR MENOPAUSE JOURNEY?
If you would like to understand more about the study and/or how you can optimize and empower your menopause journey with practical lifestyle research, schedule a chat with Coach Tanya to discuss!
