Health and Wellness
Menopause can cause dental problems, but you can protect your mouth
Hot flashes and night sweats are amongst probably the most well-known menopausal diseases. But you can also listen to your teeth and gums.
“I’m not sure people are aware of this,” said Dr. Thomas Sollecito, chief of oral medicine on the University of Pennsylvania.
Hormonal changes—primarily a pointy drop in estrogen—can reduce bone density and saliva production and damage gums. All of which can affect teeth.
Oral hygiene experts say there are methods to counteract these effects and keep your mouth healthy during menopause.
Menopause, Perimenopause and Dental Symptoms
Menopause occurs when a girl doesn’t have a period for 12 consecutive months. However, some hormonal dental problems can begin during perimenopause, when the ovaries steadily produce less estrogen, said Dr. Maiara Hister-Cockrell, a dentist on the University of Texas Health San Antonio.
One of the largest concerns is reduced saliva, which Sollecito called “one of the most important fluids in our body.”
When saliva flow slows, it can cause dry mouth, which is related to a better risk of oral pain, oral yeast infections and tooth decay. This risk is even higher when people take medications for hypertension or diabetes, which can also cause dry mouth, Hister-Cockrell said.
Less saliva also means less bacteria-killing enzymes and teeth-strengthening minerals, said Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist in Washington, D.C.
When you have a dry mouth, she said, “those bacteria multiply and you’re more susceptible to tooth decay.” And if decay progresses, tooth loss is feasible.
Declining bone density and receding gums exacerbate these problems. If the socket that holds a tooth is less dense, Sollecito said, it’s more at risk of bone loss. And receding gums can leave some tooth surfaces without the enamel that protects them from decay.
Women during this time of life are also at greater risk of developing periodontal disease, when plaque and bacteria construct up under the gums and across the teeth.
“The gum tissue starts to turn red and swell,” said Cram, a spokesman for the American Dental Association. “It bleeds and starts to pull away from the teeth, creating deeper gaps around the teeth that are significantly harder to keep clean.”
Some people experience “burning mouth syndrome.” Hister-Cockrell said the burning sensation can involve the tongue, palate and lips.
“As you can imagine,” Sollecito added, “this could all get really out of control.”
What can you do?
The first line of defense, experts say, is sweet oral hygiene and nutrition. Eat a balanced weight loss plan with few sweets and lots of calcium-rich foods. Brush your teeth fastidiously with fluoride toothpaste no less than twice a day and floss recurrently.
“An electric toothbrush can be more helpful than a manual toothbrush,” Cram said. “See your dentist regularly and ask: Am I doing a good job? If not, what could help me do a better job?”
Patients also needs to ask their dentist in the event that they should visit their dentist greater than twice a 12 months, and consider fluoride treatments at their dentist’s office to strengthen the surface of their teeth, in addition to using a high-fluoride toothpaste prescribed by their dentist.
At home, experts say, treating dry mouth is a priority. So stay hydrated.
“Probably none of us drinks enough water during the day,” Cram said.
People can also use over-the-counter sprays, lozenges or rinses for dry mouth. In severe cases, Sollecito said, they can ask their dentist about prescription medications that increase the quantity of saliva within the mouth, but they’ve unwanted effects. There are also prescription medications for burning mouth syndrome.
“In conclusion,” says Cram, “most oral health conditions and problems that occur during menopause are completely preventable,” with attention, home dental care and regular visits to the dentist.