Dental Health During Menopause
Menopause is the start of hormone changes that end a woman’s menstrual cycle and her fertility. Menopause can begin as early as the 40s, although the specific age that menopause
happens will vary from woman to woman. Hormone changes namely decreasing estrogen in the body can impact a woman’s entire body, including the oral cavity. Can menopause impact dental health? You might be surprised to know that your teeth and gums may experience some changes with the onset of menopause.
The hormonal fluctuations during menopause and peri-menopause, can make you more vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease and other dental health problems. This makes menopause a particularly important time for women to keep a check on their dental health and hygiene.
The connection between menopause and oral health is complex. Teeth, gums and bones are very susceptible to the hormonal changes taking place during this time and as some of the changes are subtle your Tower Dental Dentist in Balwyn or Hygienist may be the first to notice:
Menopause May Cause Dry Mouth (XEROSTOMIA)
Low levels of oestrogens in the body can cause a dry mouth. This can impact chewing, swallowing and speaking. Dry mouth also affects tooth enamel as saliva helps to protect our teeth from harmful acids and bacteria. When the mouth is dry, bacteria are more likely to attack and damage tooth enamel which can lead to sensitive teeth, tooth decay and gum disease. Staying hydrated can help but do tell your Dentist in Camberwell or Hygienist if you have concerns about dry mouth.
Osteoporosis Can Affect Alveolar Bone
The alveolar bone in the jaw is the support system for your teeth. With a lack of oestrogens in the body, menopause can often put women at risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition in which bones can become thinner. Women with systemic osteoporosis are more susceptible to bone loss around their teeth and thinning of the jaw bone. Having regular check-ups with your Dentist in Surrey Hills can help detect any changes.
Oral Cavity Soft Tissues
During and after menopause, you may see changes to the soft tissues in your mouth. Gums can appear redder and can become sore after eating acidic foods. Bleeding gums, ulcers and candida (thrush) can all by caused by the hormonal changes. Your Tower Dental Dentist in Hawthorn can offer help and advice if you are having any of these problems.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning Mouth Syndrome is a condition that causes a burning feeling in your mouth. The sensation can develop suddenly and occur anywhere in the mouth, more commonly felt on the roof of your mouth, tongue and lips. Although the causes are hard to pin down, low oestrogen levels can be a contributory factor.
Menopause brings many changes due to the hormonal shifts in the body, some of which may affect the health of our mouth. However, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy during this transition by visiting your dentist in Kew to take the best possible care of your smile.
Looking After Your Teeth During Menopause
Due to declining levels of estrogen during menopause, the mouth can become dry. The problem with a dry mouth is that bacteria can grow more easily. As a result of this, dental health can be at risk. The presence of elevated levels of bacteria can lead to tooth decay as well as bleeding and receding gums. With this in mind, it is even more important to take care of dental hygiene at this time. Therefore, following these steps can help maintain a healthy mouth during and after the menopause:
- Maintain a good dental care routine. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing in between the teeth to remove hidden bacteria, and using a medicated mouthwash to wash away any leftover debris. This will also help to keep the breath fresh.
- Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) to keep the area moist and hydrated.
- Attend regular check-ups with your dentist. Your dentist in Mont Albert will check for tooth decay and signs of gum disease, amongst other things. This way, if any issues are developing, they can be treated in their early stages. If diagnosed early they are much easier to treat.
- Consider visiting a dental hygienist. One good way of keeping gum disease and tooth loss at bay is the removal of plaque bacteria underneath the gum line. A hygienist will be able to clean these areas that otherwise would not be reached by general brushing and flossing.
- If you smoke then consider giving up. Smoking is a huge contributor to dental health problems and this, coupled with menopause symptoms, could spell bad news for your teeth and gums.
Our clinic is conveniently located close to Kew, Mont Albert, Surrey Hills, Hawthorn, Deepdene and Camberwell. Please feel free to contact our caring dentists on 03) 9817 7144 for any of your dental needs.