How Menopause affects your teeth and gums, according to experts

Hot flashes, mood swings, dry skin – you’ve probably heard of them. But menopause can also affect your oral health-a lesser known symptom that deserves much more attention.

Let’s start with the basics: menopause is officially diagnosed when a person has no menstrual cycle for 12 months. Driving up to that is the adoption, a transitional period when reproductive hormones, especially estrogen, begin to fall. This hormonal displacement is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with menopause, including those who can lose with your mouth.

To understand what is going on, I talked to two experts (a gynecologist and a dentist) who broke how menopause affects your teeth and gums, as well as what you can do to stay in front of him.

How does menopause affect your oral health?

Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining the health of your oral tissues. When the levels fall, your mouth may feel the impact.

“During menopause, estrogen reduction can lead to significant changes in the oral cavity, including Xerostomia, combustion of tongue (language), increased gum sensitivity and flavor changes,” says Dr. Somi javaid, Hermitage.

Hormonal displacements can also increase the risk of inflammation of gums, gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Saw production is another issue. “Saliva is essential for the neutralization of acids, wash bacteria and prevent teeth decomposition,” says Dr. Pia Lieb, cosmetic dentist in NYC Cosmetic Dental Center. “Without enough saliva, you are more vulnerable to cavities, infections and even problems with speech or ingestion.”

Menopause can also increase the risk of osteoporosis, which can affect the jaw and possibly lead to tooth loss or complications with dental implants.

How to protect your teeth during menopause

Now for the good news: You don’t have to kiss the health of your teeth goodbye just because you are awaited or menopause. According to our experts, you can do many things to prevent by reducing oral health during this period of life. Below, some of the most effective tactics:

Practice good oral hygiene: “Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, thread daily and use your mouth without alcohol,” says Lieb. Normal thread is also critical, the Javaid adds.
Stay hydrated: If dry mouth is an issue, increase water intake, says Lieb. “You can also use saliva substitutes to keep your mouth hydrated.”
Go regularly to the dentist: “Regular controls and cleaning become even more critical during and after menopause,” says Lieb. In addition, the usual deep cleansing will prevent plaque accumulation. Timely detection and intervention can mitigate the evolution of oral health complications, ”says Javaid.
Talk to your doctor: Make an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss overall menopause treatments that may be appropriate for you. “Hormone therapy (HT) can be beneficial to many women, especially when oral symptoms are part of a broader systematic hormonal deficiency,” says Javaid. “A comprehensive assessment is necessary to adapt treatment to the patient’s needs.”

Menopause oral health products for shopping

Experts have told us that maintaining oral hygiene is vital during menopause. To help you do just that, we have rounded up popular products that are perfectly integrated into the cleaning routine of your teeth. All of the following products have either been proposed by experts in previous reports or have high ratings.

Best toothbrush: Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush

One of our favorite electric toothbrushes, this model from Philips Sonicare has an ergonomic handle, a battery life of up to two weeks in full charge and a two -minute timer to help you brush for the recommended time. It also has a pressure sensor that alerts you if you brush too hard.

Better thread: Welding

This thread is a winner of the NBC Select Wellness award, thanks to the fact that it is made of recycled polyester, vegan wax and coconut oil and allows you to reach the back of your mouth, while relaxing gums, according to the brand. NBC Select Commerce Editor Jordan Bowman likes to be on the thicker side because it easily grabs the plate or food waste from his teeth.

Best Flosser Water: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser

Some people prefer to use a water water over the normal thread. We have introduced this model before because it is one of the most popular models on the market. You can adjust the pressure settings and select between two functions – thread and massage. It also comes with four tips: standard precision, orthodontic, pik pocket and plaque search.

Best oral solution: Listerine Total Care Zero Alcohol Resonance in Mouth

This mouth is free of alcohol and can enhance enamel, prevent cavities and breathing, according to the brand. The delicate taste is not overwhelming and contains fluoride for further tooth protection.

Best saliva substitute: Oracoat xylimelts

Place one of these melting on your gum line and leave it for 10 seconds as it dissolves. It will act as a substitute for saliva to hydrate dry mouth. You take 40 melting sugar in a pack and have a mild mint flavor. A melt will relieve the symptoms of the dry mouth for a few hours.

Get to know our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and power based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without non -announced financial conflicts of interest.

Dr. Somi Javaid is a certified OB/Gyn Surgeon Board of Directors and founder of Hermitage
Dr. Pia Lieb is a cosmetic dentist in NYC Cosmetic Dental Center.

Why trust NBC Select?

Bethany Heitman is contributing to the NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers themes such as beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, interview with two experts on menopause and oral health.

Subscribe to Updates

What's Hot