17/01/2024
Dental health and hygiene become a concern as women get older. Here are some of the effects menopause can have on your oral health:
1. Dry Mouth:
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, affects about 25% of menopausal women. Aging across the board results in a decrease in saliva flow, and lower levels of estrogen likewise cause decreased saliva production.
2. Burning Mouth:
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS), also known as glossodynia or stomatodynia, affects menopausal women seven times more than it affects men. Burning mouth is described as a burning sensation affecting different areas of the oral cavity, including the tongue, palate, lips and areas of denture support.
3. Tooth Crowding and Loss:
Menopause affects the density of bones throughout the body, including the jawbone, thereby reducing the stronghold the jaw has on teeth.
4. Swollen, irritated gums:
When your hormone levels change, your gums can get swollen and irritated. During these hormonal changes, your gums may be more susceptible to bleeding, because your body's immune systems is more sensitive than usual. This can cause inflammation (redness, swelling and sometimes pain) in the gums.
5. Tooth Decay and Gum Disease:
The many hormonal changes that take place during menopause make the teeth and gums more susceptible to plaque. This leads to a much higher risk for tooth decay, gingivitis (gum inflammation) and advanced gum disease.
