As women approach menopause, hormonal shifts can start to affect their oral health, making dental care especially important during this time. These changes can lead to discomfort, pain, and even long-term health issues if not addressed. One lesser-known connection is between hormonal imbalance and gum disease, highlighting the need to pay extra attention to dental health during menopause.(1)(2)(3)(4)
Three Life Stages and Gum Disease
Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can significantly impact oral health, making prevention strategies essential at every age.(1)(4)(5)
Monthly Period: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can cause temporary gum swelling, bleeding, and even canker sores or swollen salivary glands. These symptoms typically subside once the period ends, but maintaining oral care routines during this time is important.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, shifts in hormone levels can result in pregnancy gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that causes red, tender, and sore gums. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups can help keep it under control.
Perimenopause and Menopause: Declining hormone levels during perimenopause and menopause are directly linked to oral health issues. Addressing these changes early through proper oral care and consultation with healthcare providers can help reduce their impact.
Common Oral Health Issues During Menopause
Below is a list of common oral health issues women may face before, during, or after menopause, along with tips for managing them.(1)(2)(3)(4)
Dry Mouth
Causes: As estrogen levels drop, the flow of saliva decreases, reducing its crucial role in rinsing away harmful bacteria and protecting against cavities. With less saliva, the mouth becomes more prone to bacterial growth, increasing the risk of cavities and discomfort. The sensation of dry mouth (xerostomia) can also be worsened by certain medications, including those commonly used to manage menopause symptoms, like antidepressants.(1)(3)
Symptoms: Women may experience a persistent feeling of dryness, difficulty swallowing, a burning sensation, or a sticky or pasty feeling in the mouth.
Treatment: Staying hydrated, avoiding salty, sticky, or sugary foods, and using over-the-counter dry mouth sprays can help. Using a humidifier at night can also help maintain moisture levels in the mouth, reducing the effects of dry mouth. In more severe cases, physicians may prescribe a medication known as sialogogue to boost saliva flow. For some women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may alleviate these symptoms, although the benefits of HRT on oral health are still being studied.(2)
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Causes: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a common oral issue for women in perimenopause and menopause. While the exact cause is not always clear, it’s believed that declining hormone levels may affect nerve function and increase inflammation, making the mouth more sensitive.(1)(2)
Symptoms: Individuals may experience a persistent burning sensation in the tongue, lips, or other areas of the mouth, often accompanied by altered taste or dry mouth.
Treatment: Managing BMS typically involves a combination of proper oral hygiene and medications tailored to individual symptoms and health history, although results may vary. HRT may help reduce discomfort, as it can help suppress inflammation by restoring estrogen levels to a more balanced state. Managing stress and following a healthy diet may also offer relief from this uncomfortable condition.(2)
Gum Problems
Causes: Hormonal changes can worsen gum problems like bleeding gums and gum disease during menopause. The drop in estrogen increases blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and prone to inflammation. Over time, untreated gum inflammation can lead to more serious problems, including bone loss in the jaw, which can result in receding gums and eventual tooth loss. Some research has even found a link between chronic gum inflammation and certain cancers.(1)(6)
Symptoms: Common signs include swollen, red, or bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing. Gum recession and loose teeth may also occur.
Treatment: Maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine is essential, including regular dental checkups, brushing, and flossing. For women experiencing significant gum problems, HRT has been shown to help reduce inflammation and prevent gum disease, although further research is still needed.(1)(2)(3)(4)
Tooth Sensitivity and Pain
Causes: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause may increase nerve sensitivity and pain in the teeth. The underlying cause is often linked to changes in oral tissues caused by reduced estrogen levels, which lead to inflammation and increased sensitivity. As a result, teeth may become more reactive to hot, cold, and sweet foods.(1)(2)(3)
Symptoms: A sharp, temporary pain in response to temperature changes or sweet foods is the most common symptom of sensitive teeth during menopause.
Treatment: Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help alleviate discomfort. Fluoride treatments, gels, or varnishes applied by a dentist can also strengthen tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity. Additionally, maintaining a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, along with supplements like calcium and vitamin D, may help strengthen teeth and gums.(1)(2)(3)
Tooth Shifting and TMJ Issues
Causes: The decrease in estrogen during menopause can contribute to the weakening and loss of bone density, including the bones that support the teeth. This can lead to receding gums, shifting teeth, and changes in bite alignment, causing discomfort when chewing or speaking. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues are also more common during menopause and perimenopause, potentially due to hormonal effects on joint and muscle function.(1)(2)(3)
Symptoms: Women may notice that their teeth shift or feel looser. Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include a clenched jaw, jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing.
Treatment: Custom-made mouthguards or orthodontic treatments may be needed to prevent further tooth movement. Symptoms of TMJ disorders can often be managed with anti-inflammatory medications, hot or cold compresses, and, in some cases, physical therapy or Botox.(1)(2)(3)(4)(7)(8)
Other Oral Health Problems During Menopause
Causes: In addition to the more common issues above, women may experience other oral health difficulties like halitosis (bad breath often related to dry mouth), mouth sores or ulcers, and increased throat mucus production. These issues are largely linked to hormonal changes affecting saliva production and an increase in mouth bacteria during menopause.(2)(3)
Symptoms: Bad breath, recurrent mouth ulcers, and a feeling of mucus buildup in the throat are common complaints.
Treatment: Maintaining a good dental care routine, staying hydrated, and avoiding foods that can trigger mouth sores (like spicy or acidic foods) can help manage these symptoms. If symptoms persist, consulting with an oral hygienist may offer relief. In some cases, discussing HRT with a physician may also be a viable option.(2)(3)
Managing Oral Health During Menopause
Taking care of oral health during menopause calls for a proactive approach. Here are a few tips to help maintain good dental hygiene and prevent common problems:
Regular Dental Visits: Seeing a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings helps catch potential problems early, including gum disease, cavities, and bone loss in the jaw.
Proper Oral Hygiene: Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash reduces the risk of periodontal disease and other oral health issues.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages helps manage dry mouth, which is common during menopause. Staying hydrated supports saliva production and prevents the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
Diet: A diet rich in calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins supports bone health, including that of the jawbone. Additionally, foods high in water content, like fruits and vegetables, aid in saliva production, helping combat dry mouth and maintain oral health.
Hormone Therapy: HRT has been shown to help reduce the risk of tooth loss, gum disease, and bone loss by decreasing inflammation, which can alleviate symptoms like dry mouth and gum sensitivity. Women should consult with their healthcare providers to determine if HRT is suitable for them.
Supplements: Calcium and vitamin D supplements can help maintain bone strength, reduce the risk of bone loss in the jaw, and support gum health.
Specialized Oral Care Products: Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, dry mouth spray, and mouthwashes specifically designed for periodontal issues can provide symptom relief and protect oral health during menopause.
Menopause can have a real impact on oral health, but with proper care and attention, many of these challenges can be effectively managed. It's important to stay in touch with a dentist and a healthcare provider to find personalized solutions that work best.
Experiencing menopause-related dental concerns? Discover if HRT can help.
If you’ve entered the menopause transition and are struggling with dental health issues, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Take our brief menopause quiz to see if you’re an eligible candidate for HRT. Get started with Winona to take the first step toward feeling better.
