Women going through perimenopause, menopause оr postmenopause may face unique oral health challenges during these life stages. Understanding their impact and ways tо deal with іt will be important іn maintaining a healthy smile. An abrupt decrease іn estrogen levels can have serious adverse consequences оn your gums, teeth and saliva production.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices as well as scheduling regular check-ups during this timeframe are vitally important. If you’re considering enhancing your smile, explore options іn cosmetic dentistry near you tо address any changes related tо hormonal shifts.
Increased Risk of Tooth Decay
Perimenopause and menopause hormone changes due to an accelerated drop in estrogen levels can increase your risk of tooth decay. This is mostly due to decreased saliva production and gums’ decreased ability to fight off small infections while keeping a balance of good bacteria within their mouths.
Loss of estrogen may also cause teeth to shift, leading to crookedness or an abnormal bite. To combat this effect, consume calcium-rich foods, drink plenty of water and visit your dentist on an ongoing basis.
Women experiencing menopause can lessen its effects by using hormone replacement therapy to restore normal levels of estrogen. If you’re suffering from symptoms like dry mouth, thinning gums or tooth decay consult with your physician regarding this option and make sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once daily – visiting a dentist and using antimicrobial mouthwash can also help remove plaque and debris and lower risk for cavities and gum disease.
Reduced Estrogen Levels
Women experience their estrogen levels decreasing during perimenopause – the time prior to menopause when periods cease and eggs stop being produced by the ovaries – leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. This drop is what causes symptoms like hot flashes.
Estrogen can help protect against gum inflammation caused by thrush by stimulating saliva production that contains bacteria-killing enzymes and tooth-strengthening minerals that provide protection from oral bacteria infections such as mouth sores, oral yeast infections or cavities. Without estrogen hormones present, saliva flow decreases and the mouth becomes dry – increasing risk for infection that could result in sores, oral yeast infections or cavities.
Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may help women restore higher estrogen levels. According to research by the Women’s Health Initiative, this form of treatment did not increase her risk for heart attack and stroke; however, breast cancer risk increases with HRT use – so before making your decision about HRT treatment consult your physician first.
Changes in the Mouth Shape
Women often associate menopause with hot flashes and mood changes; however, hormonal shifts that take place throughout perimenopause and menopause may also impact oral hygiene. Learning to adapt to these changes is vital in order to maintain good oral hygiene practices.
As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, saliva production decreases dramatically, making it harder for your body to maintain an appropriate balance of good bacteria against bad in the mouth – potentially leading to infections as well as health issues like gum disease.
To combat dry mouth, people should drink plenty of water, avoid sugary beverages and foods, and limit alcohol. There are over-the-counter products designed to increase saliva production in the mouth; for severe cases there are prescription medications. Hormone replacement therapy may also provide relief; women should consult their doctor prior to beginning any form of therapy.
Mood Changes
Many women experiencing menopause experience mood swings and fluctuations that disrupt daily functioning and relationships, often leading to self-medication with alcohol or drugs to mask symptoms – creating major economic and individual consequences.
Menopause symptoms often include increased irritability and forgetfulness as a result of decreasing hormone levels, which may be frustrating to those around them; it’s important to remember, though, that these changes won’t last permanently and will eventually fade with time.
Maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in physical exercise regularly and using stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing are ways to alleviate these problems. Regular dental checkups and cleanings will also be invaluable; Delta Dental commissioned Atomik Research to survey 1,061 American women aged 50 or above so as to better understand what impact menopause has on oral health.
