News

This Women’s Health Week the spotlight is on the theme ‘Saying Yes to You’ – and that includes prioritising your oral health. A vibrant, healthy smile reflects overall wellbeing and supports your body’s health from the inside out.

As women transition through perimenopause and menopause, shifting hormone levels can bring a variety of changes – not only to the body but also to the mouth, teeth, and gums. These hormonal fluctuations may trigger new oral health concerns, including dry mouth, sensitivity, discomfort in the gums, and even changes in taste.

Menopause and Oral Health: Understanding the Connection

Estrogen plays a vital role in keeping the mouth healthy. When levels of this hormone drop during menopause, many women experience issues like receding gums, increased tooth sensitivity, and even loss of bone in the jaw, all of which raise the risk of gum disease. Being aware of these effects means you can take early steps to protect your dental health over time.

Dry Mouth, Tooth Decay, and Gum Concerns

One of the more common symptoms after menopause is dry mouth (also known as xerostomia), which stems from reduced saliva due to hormonal shifts. Saliva is essential for washing away bacteria and acids, which helps prevent tooth decay and maintain oral comfort. A lack of saliva can make everyday tasks like speaking, chewing, or sleeping, more difficult. Recognising and managing this condition can significantly improve your comfort and quality of life.

Hormonal Gum Inflammation: Menopausal Gingivostomatitis

Hormonal changes can leave gums feeling sore, inflamed, or prone to bleeding – an issue known as menopausal gingivostomatitis. Fortunately, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine can help prevent these symptoms. Gentle brushing twice daily with a soft toothbrush, regular flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can make a real difference in gum health.

Unusual Taste and Mouth Sensations

A metallic taste, bitter flavour, or a burning feeling in the mouth may occur during menopause. These changes are often tied to hormonal imbalances, reduced saliva flow, or even nutrient deficiencies. While these symptoms can be mild, they may interfere with eating and enjoyment. If you’re noticing any of these changes, consult your dentist or GP for guidance on possible treatments such as saliva substitutes, dietary tweaks, or further testing.

Shifting Bite and Jaw Changes

Changes in bite or jaw alignment may also arise during menopause. As estrogen decreases, bone loss in the jaw can affect how your teeth meet when chewing or speaking. You might notice your bite feels different, or that dentures no longer fit as well. A dental professional can monitor these changes and provide tailored solutions to maintain comfort and function.

Jawbone Health and Risk of Tooth Loss

Bone loss is another hidden effect of declining estrogen, and the jawbone is no exception. Weakened bone structure may cause gum recession, loosen teeth, or even lead to tooth loss over time. Monitoring bone health and taking early action can help reduce these risks.

Daily Habits to Support Oral Health

Protecting your smile starts with simple, daily steps: brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, staying hydrated, and visiting your dentist for routine check-ups. These consistent habits strengthen teeth and gums, helping you feel your best and support your overall wellbeing.

We’re Here to Support You

No matter your past dental experiences, this is the ideal time to focus on your oral health. A healthy smile isn’t just about appearance – it’s about confidence, wellness, and quality of life. Women’s Health Week is a timely reminder to care for yourself, listen to your body, and take proactive steps to address menopausal symptoms, including those affecting your mouth. You don’t have to manage these changes alone – book and appointment and speak to your dentist about strategies to help ease discomfort and support long-term oral health.

Sources:

Oral Health and the Menopause | Dental Health Foundation

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth | National Institute on Aging

When thinking about your overall wellbeing, your oral health is an excellent place to begin. As we celebrate Women’s Health Week 2025 and the empowering theme “Say Yes to You”, it’s the perfect time to include your dental care in the conversation.

Hormonal changes across life stages – such as puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause – can significantly influence your mouth, gums, and teeth. By understanding how these shifts affect your oral health, you can take proactive steps toward feeling your best, all starting with your smile.

Hormones & Oral Health: What to Expect Through Life’s Stages

Teen Years and Gum Changes

During puberty, hormonal surges can lead to increased blood flow to the gums, making them more reactive to plaque. Gums may become swollen, tender, or bleed more easily – making daily brushing and flossing especially important during these formative years.

Pregnancy and Your Dental Wellbeing

Expecting mothers often notice changes in their oral health. Around 70% of pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis, which is gum irritation driven by elevated progesterone. If morning sickness is present, acid erosion and cavity risk can also rise. Early dental visits during pregnancy can help protect your teeth and gums throughout this important time.

Contraceptives and Gum Health

Hormonal birth control may cause mild gum irritation or increased sensitivity for some users. While this isn’t always noticeable, it’s a reminder of how hormones can influence your mouth – and why it’s helpful to keep your dentist informed of any medications you’re taking.

Perimenopause and Early Oral Symptoms

Before menopause fully begins, many women experience subtle but impactful changes like dry mouth or burning sensations. These symptoms can affect speaking, eating, and even your ability to maintain daily oral care comfortably.

Prioritise You, Prioritise Your Smile

Choosing to say “yes” to yourself means taking care of your health through every stage of life, and that includes maintaining your oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental visits can help you manage hormonal changes while keeping your smile strong.

At nib Dental, we’re here to support you with expert care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re noticing changes or simply staying on top of your routine, our team is ready to help you stay confident and healthy.

Book your next dental appointment today, and keep saying yes to you!

Sources:

Knowledge of Pregnant Women about Pregnancy Gingivitis and Children Oral Health – PMC

Welcome to Teeth.org.au | teeth.org.au

Helping your child establish good oral hygiene habits early in life gives them a great head start for achieving a healthy and beautiful smile for life. As a parent, you’re the perfect role model for you child, so if they see you brushing your teeth morning and night, and you then do the same for them, they will view caring for their teeth as being a normal part of daily life.  

As part of establishing this routine for your child, it is important to not only supervise and encourage your child’s daily oral care regime, but to also partner with your dentist as a co-carer for your child’s teeth. By starting six monthly visits to your dentist early on, this too will become a normal process for your child and importantly, not something to be feared. 

 

1.Visiting at age 1 or with the first tooth?

It is generally recommended that children see a dentist for the first time when their first tooth becomes visible or at least by the time they reach 12 months of age.  

• Familiarisation – While this may seem early, this visit allows the dentist to meet your child and for your child to become familiar with the dental environment.  

• Early checks – The dentist will check the status of your child’s teeth and gums, and most importantly will provide advice on how best to care for your child’s teeth now that they have started to arrive. 
• Preventative advice – Your dentist will guide them on brushing, flossing, fluoride use and diet and pacifier habits to help prevent decay occurring, especially if they are having sugary foods and drinks. 

 

2.The 6‑month dental cycle: Why it matters

Regular check-ups every six months help by: 

• Reinforcing oral hygiene routines with parents and kids 

• Identifying hidden plaque or overlooked areas and offering brushing/flossing tips 

• Ensuring timely detection and simple treatment of decay 

 

3.Dental tips for the whole family 

• Brush twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste 

• Supervise brushing and flossing until at least age 7 

• Limit sugary snacks and drinks; encourage water and fresh fruit/veg 

• Avoid prolonged bottle-feeding or sugary pacifiers to reduce decay risk 

 

 

4.Finding a child-friendly dentist

• A comfortable, welcoming environment for children 

• Dentists with experience treating toddlers and infants 

• Appointment times that fit around school schedules 

 

Book your child’s regular dental check-up with a child-friendly dentist at your local nib Dental centre.