The Unseen Connection: Menopause and Oral Health
In recent years, our understanding of women's health has evolved significantly.
While menopause has long been associated with a range of symptoms, from hot flashes to mood swings, one aspect of this natural life transition often goes unnoticed – menopause and oral health.
Surprisingly, 84% of women are unaware of the connection between menopause and oral well-being, according to a study published by Delta Dental.
This comprehensive post will shed some light on the importance of oral health during menopause and what women can do to maintain it.
Understanding the Menopausal Journey
Before we explore the connection between menopause and oral health, let's take a moment to understand what menopause entails.
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.
It is medically considered to be 12 consecutive months without a menstrual bleed.
Anytime before this is considered perimenopause and anytime after is post-menopause (with a few other stages in between).
Perimenopause typically begins in the late 30s to mid-40s with various hormonal changes accompanying this transition.
These hormonal shifts can lead to a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms.
Also, we can notice changes in our oral microbiome (bacteria found in the mouth and on the gums and teeth) which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
The Hormonal Rollercoaster
During menopause, a woman's body experiences a significant decrease in estrogen levels.
This drop in estrogen can result in a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and changes in bone density.
But what many of us don't realize is that these hormonal fluctuations can also impact our oral health.
The Hidden Connection: Menopause and Oral Health
I am a complete dental hygiene fanatic.
I get my teeth cleaned every 4 months and visit a Holistic Dental practice.
Flossing, brushing and water picking is my jam.
I've never had a cavity and only had one mishap in which I cracked one of my back teeth on a hard shell which ended in needing a crown.
A few months ago, at my dental check up, the hygienist swabbed my mouth and gums like she always does.
She swabbed my cheek and placed the sample on a slide to look at my oral bacteria under a microscope (yes, this is what a holistic dentist does!).
A healthy mouth typically makes up many good bacteria and little "bad".
As I always expect a "clean" bill, she came into the room and said "do you have a dog or are you going through menopause"?
Cue the lower jaw drop.
"Um, my boyfriend has a dog and yes, I am going through perimenopause....why?"
"Because you have oral spirochetes!"
Thought. I. Was. Going. To. Pass. Out.
Apparently, this oral bug can cause serious inflammation in the mouth and periodontal disease. It can even cross into the brain! (Passing out thinking about it!)
It is transmissible through your pets saliva (if you have a pet then you know the random tongue swipe across the face without any warning experience).
But why would she suspect menopause?
Because the oral microbiome changes significantly when there are fluctuations in hormones as women go through their transition.
During menopause, it becomes harder to maintain a balanced oral microbiome and some bugs that live in your mouth can take over causing pH changes and inflammation.
Bone Health and Tooth Loss
One of the most profound effects of menopause on oral health is its impact on bone density.
As estrogen levels decline, women are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.
This bone loss can extend to the jawbone, leading to tooth mobility (moving or shifting teeth) and even tooth loss.
Dry Mouth and Gum Issues
Hormonal changes during menopause can also contribute to dry mouth, a condition known as xerostomia.
Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acids and helping to prevent tooth decay.
When saliva production decreases, women may experience an increased risk of cavities and gum problems.
Did you know that alcohol based and antibacterial mouthwashes can change the oral pH and make your mouth more acidic?
This can cause more inflammation in your gums and contribute to other gut issues down the chain (you know, the mouth, the gut and the anus are all connected through a very long tube).
Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
Estrogen fluctuations can make women more susceptible to gum inflammation and periodontal disease.
Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily, is a common issue during menopause.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
Taking Control of Your Oral Health During Menopause
Now that we've explored the connection between menopause and oral health, let's discuss proactive steps you can take to maintain your dental well-being during this life stage.
Regular dental checkups
Regular dental checkups are essential during menopause, serving as a compass for navigating the changing landscape of oral health.
Dentists that take a holistic approach can monitor the impact of hormonal shifts and utilize oral microbiome testing to assess bacterial balance.
This testing helps identify early signs of microbial imbalance, enabling personalized strategies to restore oral microbiome harmony.
By combining regular checkups with microbiome insights, you can proactively maintain your oral health.
Stay Hydrated
Staying well-hydrated is a fundamental aspect of managing dry mouth, a common concern during menopause.
Adequate hydration not only alleviates the discomfort of xerostomia but also plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of dental problems.
However, maintaining hydration can sometimes be challenging, as water alone may not always be the most enticing option.
To enhance the flavor of your hydration routine, consider infusing your water with slices of fresh citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or orange.
This simple addition not only adds a burst of flavor but also makes staying hydrated more enjoyable and sustainable.
If you are concerned with the acidity in citrus eroding your enamel, then try slices of cucumber or add other fruits like cherries, blackberries, blueberries or strawberries for a change of taste.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is super important during menopause to safeguard your oral health.
In addition to regular brushing, flossing, and using an alcohol-free mouthwash, consider the benefits of water flossing and oral irrigation.
These techniques offer an extra layer of protection by efficiently removing plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gumline.
Water flossing, in particular, can be especially gentle on sensitive gums, making it an ideal choice if you are experiencing gum discomfort.
Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or bioidentical HRT (BHrt)
For some women, especially those experiencing severe hormonal fluctuations, HRT or bioidentical HRT may emerge as a viable option.
(B)HRT is a specialized form of hormone therapy that uses compounds that are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced in the body.
Consulting with a healthcare provider and compounding pharmacy that specializes in hormone replacement therapies becomes important.
They can provide personalized guidance on the potential benefits and risks of HRT and (B)HRT.
Finding the right healthcare provider can be difficult however using the database on the North American Menopause Society's website can possibly point you in the right direction. CLICK HERE FOR THAT DATABASE
You can make an empowered decision about whether this therapy aligns with your unique health needs, helping you navigate menopause and taking care of your teeth in the best possible way!
EAT A BALANCED DIET
To support the health of your bones and teeth, consider incorporating calcium and vitamin D-rich foods into your daily meals.
For instance, dairy products like yogurt and cheese, along with leafy greens such as kale and spinach, are excellent sources of these essential nutrients.
As I teach in my 30-Day Metabolism Reset Program, I give you insight into what foods can contribute to a healthy oral microbiome.
Diversity of plant based foods can enhance the "good" bacteria in your mouth leading to healthier teeth and gums.
Additionally, if your dietary intake falls short, you can consider dietary supplements (under the guidance of your healthcare provider).
By embracing a diet that includes these elements, you not only fortify your bone structure but also contribute to the resilience of your teeth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, menopause and oral health are intricately linked, with hormonal changes during this life stage affecting various aspects of oral well-being.
It's crucial for you to be aware of these connections and take proactive steps to maintain your oral health.
Regular dental checkups, hydration, good oral hygiene, and a balanced diet can go a long way in preserving a healthy mouth and gut during menopause.
Faq
Can menopause cause tooth loss?
What can I do to prevent gum problems during menopause?
Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or (BHRT) recommended for menopausal women with oral health issues?
Are there specific foods that can help maintain oral health during menopause?
What are the common signs of dry mouth during menopause?
Products I Use
Water Flosser
Under the Gums
Healthy Mouthwash
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Menopause and Oral Health: A Comprehensive Guide for Women
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September 21, 2023
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