Smile, And The World Smiles With You – Oral Health and Menopause

Most women in menopause don’t consider the influence of fluctuating estrogen on periodontal and gum disease. According to one study, 43% of menopausal women have oral issues. This is no time to neglect this important aspect of your health.

Saliva and Estrogen

Saliva, which is 98% water, is produced by glands in the mouth to provide oral moisture. Saliva plays these essential roles in the mouth:

• Cleans food away from teeth and gums
• Helps moisten food for easier swallowing and tasting
• Prevents cavities and periodontal disease with antibacterial substances
• Supplies minerals such as calcium and phosphorus to the teeth

Decreasing estrogen levels in menopause lead to reduced saliva production, which can cause several oral issues.

Xerostomia (dry mouth) disrupts the delicate balance of the functions of saliva and can contribute to gum and periodontal disease.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS), is another potential result of reduced saliva production. BMS occurs in 18-33% of menopausal women. Symptoms of BMS include a burning sensation in the mouth and a loss of taste.

Oral Health & Osteoporosis

Decreasing estrogen during menopause also affects bone health, including the bone in your mouth. Periodontal disease results from infection or inflammation of the gum and bone in the mouth. One study determined that osteoporosis bone loss, strongest in the early menopause stages, was associated with periodontal disease.The incidence of osteoporosis also increases as you age, which further increases the risk of periodontal disease.

If you are at risk for osteoporosis, check with your provider to make sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D and taking other measures to ensure bone health.

Maintaining Oral Health In Menopause

The first and most important step to maintaining oral health in menopause is to visit your dentist at least every six months for a thorough cleaning, examination, and expert advice. Your dentist can help with oral disease prevention, detect gum disease, and create a therapeutic plan depending on your specific needs. Other daily habits to maintain oral health and prevent tooth loss include:

• Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day with dentist-recommended toothpaste.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Floss daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque.

If you’re struggling with dry mouth, try the following tips to increase saliva production:

• Avoid salty, spicy, and dry foods.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Limit your consumption of alcohol
• Stop smoking

Menopausal Hormone Therapy & Oral Health

Studies demonstrate that MHT plays a positive role in mitigating the damage of osteoporosis, preserving bone in the jaw, and ultimately preventing tooth loss. Also, MHT may inhibit gingivitis, gum disease, and periodontitis.

Overall, maintaining oral health means daily care of brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet, and regular visits to the dentist. Discussing with your provider to see if MHT is indicated during the menopausal years can also be pivotal in preventing tooth loss. Take care of those pearly whites, and remember to smile!