Hormonal changes and dental care during perimenopause and menopause
Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can significantly impact your oral health, including your mouth, teeth, and gums. Menopause is a well-known phase for these changes, but other stages like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and perimenopause also cause a range of oral health challenges.
Nearly 20% of Australian women* don’t realise how menopause affects their dental health. During perimenopause and menopause, fluctuating hormone levels bring about significant changes in oral health. Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy mouth. As these hormone levels decrease, it can lead to several dental issues, including:
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Hormonal changes can result in reduced saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in neutralising acids and protecting against cavities.
- Inflamed Gums: Hormonal fluctuations may make your gums more sensitive, prone to inflammation, and susceptible to bleeding. This is a condition often referred to as menopausal gingivostomatitis.
- Altered taste and oral discomfort: Decreased oestrogen and progesterone change taste perception, making certain foods taste different or unpleasant. Some women may also experience a burning sensation in the mouth, known as burning mouth syndrome.
- Bite changes: Lower oestrogen levels can contribute to bone resorption in the jaw, potentially altering bite alignment.
- Bone density and tooth loss: Decreased oestrogen levels affect bone density, including the jawbone that supports your teeth. This can increase the risk of tooth mobility and even tooth loss.
Being proactive with your oral health
Taking proactive steps to manage your oral health during periods of hormonal change can help prevent long-term dental issues. Here’s how you can stay ahead:
- Regular dental check-ups: One in four women (25%) only visit the dentist when something hurts or an obvious issue arises. Make dental check-ups a regular part of your health habits, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Professional check-ups can detect and address issues early, preventing serious long-term problems.
- At home oral hygiene: Around one in four women brush their teeth only once a day, and less than a quarter (24%) floss daily. Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and using floss or interdental brushes can help maintain your oral health.
- Saliva stimulation: Chewing sugar-free gum and staying hydrated can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
- Diet and nutrition: Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health and overall oral wellbeing.
- Discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with your dentist: Inform your dentist if you’re undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other hormonal treatments. They can provide guidance on how to manage any potential oral health implications that may arise.
To keep your oral health in check during hormonal changes, take a proactive approach. Let Women’s Health Week be your cue to put your wellbeing first and stay on top of your dental care. Book an appointment today to speak to your dentist about how you can manage your symptoms and maintain your oral wellbeing.
