Menopause’s Impact on Dental Health: Hormonal Changes and Your Smile
Caring for teeth is important through every stage of a woman’s life. Whether it is the first primary tooth that starts to wobble, the first wisdom tooth breaking through, or extra care during pregnancy. An important dental transition most women are not aware of is the effect menopause can have on dental health. Menopause typically begins to occur between the ages of 45 and 55, and while the transition affects women differently, the decreased levels of oestrogen often impact overall health and make themselves noticeable through hot flashes, changes in sleeping patterns, mood swings, and other menopause symptoms.
As our female patients get older, we dentists in Parramatta are often the first ones to notice the hormonal changes during a routine check-up since many of these symptoms can be indicated through changes of the soft tissue, such as:
Dry Mouth
Lower oestrogen levels often result in a decrease in saliva production. While a dry mouth does not seem serious at first, the condition creates an imbalance within the bacteria in the mouth. Reduced saliva flow can lead to bad breath and increase the risk of tooth decay and fungal infections.
Swollen Gums
Some patients at Dental Parramatta experience swollen and irritated gums as menopause symptoms. During the hormonal transition, the body’s immune system is more sensitive than usual. This can lead to inflammation recognisable by reddened gums and, often, numb pain.
Burning Mouth
Commonly felt on the roof of the mouth, tongue and lips, burning mouth syndrome can develop suddenly due to the many hormonal shifts in the body. To keep teeth and gums healthy during this transition, we recommend visiting the dentist regularly for the best possible care and menopause treatment.
Tooth Decay
The drop in oestrogen can further trigger the loss of bone density. Women undergoing menopause are, therefore, much more vulnerable to tooth decay since the jaw bones can become impacted by osteoporosis, which can decrease the size of gums and even lead to tooth loss.
Tips from Dental Parramatta
Dental Routine
While the likelihood of tooth decay and other dental issues becomes higher with age, practising good oral hygiene is crucial during menopause. An at-home care routine should include brushing two times a day for two minutes while paying extra attention to the gum lines and using fluoride toothpaste. The team at Dental Parramatta further recommends flossing at least once daily and using mouthwash to help prompt the production of saliva and limit bacteria in the mouth.
Stay Hydrated
To keep the saliva flowing, it is essential to maintain a proper pH balance in the mouth. This can be done by drinking plenty of water without any additives or mixes such as citrus fruits or juices. Plain water is best for washing away food debris and oral bacteria to maintain a healthy pH level and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Healthy Diet
Including foods that are rich in calcium and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, in your diet will help maintain gum health and can alleviate menopause symptoms. For optimal health, ensure your diet contains a holistic variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and berries, as well as dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt in your daily meals.
Manage Stress
As oral health issues can be intensified by stress, it is important to pick up relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. These two practices are especially known for stress relief and promoting physical and mental relaxation, and they will benefit your oral health and overall well-being.
Track Symptoms
To be able to ask your dentist in Parramatta for advice on how to protect your oral health during your hormonal transition, it is essential to monitor potential menopause symptoms. Indications of potential issues include a cracked tongue surface, lips sticking to your teeth more often, and experiencing a dry mouth.
If you are worried about dental problems and would like to discuss possible symptoms, book an appointment at Dental Parramatta Avenue at 1300 315 540. We are always available to support your dental health and ready to advise you on menopause treatment, especially if you face any oral discomfort or changes to prevent problems from worsening.
Read Also: