The symptoms of menopause vary from person to person, and some people may experience few or no symptoms. lack of sleep, brain fog, or hot flashes are common.
Some experience dental problems too.
I’m not sure that people are aware of this,” said Dr. Thomas Sollecito, chief of oral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
1 in 3 women over 50 report experiencing dry mouth. Reduced estrogen levels can lead to a decrease in saliva production, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease,
and oral infections.
A sudden drop in estrogen hormone can reduce bone density and saliva production and affect your gums.
Oral care experts say there are ways to counteract these effects and keep your menopausal mouth healthy.
Menopause, perimenopause, and dental symptoms
Menopause happens when a woman goes 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. However some of hormone-related dental problems may begin during perimenopause,
when the ovaries gradually make less estrogen, said Dr. Maiara Hister-Cockrell, a dentist with the University of Texas Health San Antonio.
When the saliva flow reduces, it will result in a dry mouth, which might lead to mouth soreness and cavities. Those risks are even higher when people take medicines for
other systemic diseases like high blood pressure or diabetes.
When saliva volume reduces bacteria-killing enzymes reduce causing such bacteria to increase in number thereby increasing cavities and dental visits.
And if decay worsens, it becomes a more invasive treatment.
Decreasing bone density and receding gums exacerbate these problems.
When gums recede portion of teeth without enamel is exposed to the outside thereby causing more decay. That exposed area lacks enamel to resist newly developing
plaque and decays
“Gum tissue starts to get red and bleeds and it starts pulling away from the teeth, creating deeper crevices around the teeth that are clearly harder to keep clean.”
Some people experience “burning mouth syndrome.” Hister-Cockrell said a burning sensation can extend to the tongue, palate, and lips.
What can we do to fight this?
Give importance to good oral hygiene and nutrition. Consult a dentist every 6 months and evaluate if your maintenance is good. Dentists might suggest a few treatments to strengthen your gums.
fluoride application can be done to resist decay. Gums intervention can keep your gums in a better condition. Usually gum problems go unnoticed unless you visit a dentist. Prefer balanced diet which are high calcium containing. Reduce sugar intake
Brush carefully with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Increase water intake which can keep you hydrated and healthy. This can also reduce bad breath which is common with dry mouth.
People can also use over-the-counter dry mouth sprays, lozenges, or rinses. This is possible only with a dentist’s prescription.
Most oral conditions and problems during menopause are totally preventable” by paying attention, taking good care of your teeth at home, and regularly going to the dentist.