From Dry Mouth to Sensitive Teeth: How Menopause Impacts Oral Health

As a woman going through menopause, you are likely all too familiar with the uncomfortable symptoms menopause can cause such as hot flashes, sleep problems, night sweats, mood swings, and even joint pain. While you have likely experienced one or more of these symptoms and had likely heard about them before you started menopause, there are also symptoms that you may be experiencing that you did not realize were menopause-related.

The reality is that hormone changes during menopause can cause a wide range of symptoms throughout the body, and many women are unaware that the health problems they're experiencing are actually a result of menopause. For instance, a recent study found that 84% of women are unaware of the impact menopause can have on oral health. However, the fact is that as estrogen levels decrease throughout perimenopause and menopause, you may notice a variety of oral health problems such as sensitive teeth, painful gums, or even a condition called burning mouth syndrome. 

Whether you are in menopause or soon will be, it is then important that you are familiar with the potential impacts menopause can have on your oral health so that you can take steps to protect your teeth. Keep reading as we take a look at how hormones can affect your teeth during menopause and the steps that you can take to protect your oral health.

How Hormones Affect Your Teeth During Menopause

No matter your age or stage of life, taking precautions to protect your teeth such as brushing and flossing, avoiding excess sugar, and getting regular dental cleanings is essential to ensure oral health. However, some factors are out of your control, such as how hormone fluctuations can affect your teeth. 

During menopause, a drop in estrogen levels in the body can result in a variety of oral health symptoms including:

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (also called xerostomia) is a common complaint amongst menopausal women, with 25% of women experiencing this condition during menopause. Dry mouth is the result of decreased saliva flow, and it is a particularly common complaint among menopausal women because lower levels of estrogen can also decrease saliva production. 

Dry mouth can not only make it difficult to swallow food, but it can also contribute to tooth decay, sore gums, and mouth ulcers. This is because saliva acts as a natural buffer in the mouth, protecting your teeth and gums. Dry mouth can then also lead to an increased risk of oral infection.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS), also known as glossodynia or stomatodynia, is a condition that causes pain, tenderness, or a burning sensation in and around the mouth. Affected areas can include the lips, tongue, palate, and cheeks. While anyone can experience burning mouth syndrome, menopausal women are much more likely to experience this condition.

Swollen or Irritated Gums

As your hormones change and fluctuate throughout perimenopause and menopause, this can cause your gums to become swollen and irritated. This is likely because your immune system is more sensitive than normal, which can lead to a number of gum problems including bleeding, pain, and inflammation of the gums. Your gums may be particularly susceptible to bleeding when you brush or floss.

Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth are a common but uncomfortable condition in which you experience tooth pain when you eat or drink hot or cold items. This condition occurs when the dentin (which is the inner part of your teeth) loses its protective enamel and cementum coatings, leaving the nerves within your teeth vulnerable to cold, hot, or acidic foods. Tooth sensitivity is particularly common during menopause, as declining estrogen levels can increase enamel loss.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

The hormonal changes that take place during menopause can also make the teeth more susceptible to plaque, which can lead to a much higher risk for tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. One reason for this is lower saliva levels in the mouth, as saliva protects your teeth from plaque and harmful bacteria. If you have been experiencing menopause-related dry mouth, you should talk to your dentist about your risk for gum disease/tooth decay and the preventative measures that you can take to protect your teeth.

Caring for Your Oral Health During Menopause

As you enter menopause, hormonal changes can lead to potential oral health problems. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to prevent these complications. Here is a look at a few key things that you can do to maintain your oral health during menopause:

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

One of the best things that you can do to protect your teeth is to brush them at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use proper technique by paying attention to the gum line as well as hard-to-reach areas such as around your back molars. This will help prevent plaque, reducing your risk of oral health complications.

Floss Daily

Flossing daily is just as important as brushing. While you are not alone if you often forget to floss, or you simply avoid it because it is time-consuming, flossing every day is essential to reduce plaque and help prevent the gum disease and tooth decay often associated with menopause.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

As you enter menopause, it is more important than ever that you continue to visit your dentist regularly. Ideally, you should go in for an exam and cleaning at least twice a year. This will give your dentist an opportunity to regularly assess your oral health and provide tips to help you address any menopause-related oral health concerns that you may have. Be sure to discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing so your dentist can offer appropriate care.

Use Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

If you have been struggling to eat or drink because of tooth sensitivity, there are simple things that you can do to find relief. One of the best options would be to switch to a desensitizing toothpaste. Desensitizing toothpastes are specifically designed to help shield your teeth's nerve endings, which can help reduce tooth sensitivity.

Stay Hydrated

While drinking plenty of water is one of the biggest things that anyone can do to stay healthy, hydration is particularly important during menopause. Staying hydrated can prevent or alleviate dry mouth, and water can also act as a buffer in the oral environment when there is not enough saliva present to protect your teeth. Sipping water frequently throughout the day can increase saliva production, alleviate dry mouth, and protect your teeth and gums.

Manage Stress

Believe it or not, high levels of stress can increase your risk for oral health issues. If you are struggling with menopause-related oral health complications, try to find ways to reduce stress. Practicing stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness breathing can go a long way in benefiting your oral health as well as your overall physical and mental well-being. 

During menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can cause a wide range of oral health problems. This makes it important that women in perimenopause and menopause take proactive steps to support their oral health including brushing and flossing regularly and seeing their dentist twice a year.