Menopause comes with a host of symptoms, some more well known than others. You’ve no doubt heard about, if not already experienced, hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, low libido, mood changes, and even hair or skin issues. Many women are served up a combination of these symptoms, to say nothing of those we haven’t mentioned.
While menopause looks and feels different to everyone, there’s another symptom we feel duty-bound to recognize and explain to our patients: changes to your oral health.
Rather than feel frustrated by another challenge inherent in this season of life, we hope this article will leave you feeling empowered to observe these changes and respond, accordingly.
Making sense of menopause and oral health
Marked by hormonal changes, menopause affects women’s bodies and minds in myriad ways. When it comes to oral health, decreasing estrogen levels can present as dental issues, such as the following:
Dry mouth
It’s amazing how much estrogen impacts women’s wellness. You might be surprised to know that estrogen levels affect saliva production. As estrogen declines, some women might experience dry mouth, which comes with its own complications, including bad breath, oral infections, and a greater chance of developing cavities.
Sensitive or inflamed gums
Hormones have an effect on inflammation throughout the body. Any existing inflammation might be exacerbated by hormonal changes, resulting in sensitive, swollen or even bleeding gums. That said, we urge you to contact us if these symptoms occur and persist as they could signal gum disease, which requires professional intervention for effective treatment.
Burning feeling or changes in taste
Dubbed “burning mouth syndrome,” or BMS, some women experience a tingling or burning feeling on their lips, tongue, or inside their mouths. As for changing tastes, some research shows that declining estrogen levels can reduce sensitivity to certain flavors, specifically sweet or salty.
Bone loss
Associated with the potential increased risk of osteoporosis, menopause can affect women’s jaws, especially if bone density is already an issue, or the woman suffers from periodontal disease.
While awareness of these symptoms is key, it’s also important (and encouraging) to know that there are things you can do to ease this transition and possibly avoid some of these menopausal pitfalls.
Smiling through menopause
Keeping these habits in mind, you might find yourself smiling through some of the tougher menopausal moments, at least where your dental health is concerned.
- Hydrate, hydrate: As always, stay hydrated to avoid developing dry mouth by stimulating saliva production.
- Commit to healthy habits: Regular brushing and flossing is always a good idea.
- Nutrition is key: Integrating calcium-rich foods and ample sources of vitamin D will support bone health.
- Stay connected with us: Make sure we regularly feature on your calendar in the form of routine checkups and dental cleanings.
- Advocate for yourself: Reach out to us immediately if you experience any symptoms, have questions, or feel concerned about changes to your oral health.
Let our team help you manage the oral health implications of menopause. Contact us today!