Women, Menopause and Oral Health.

by Dr Roisín Boyle

Women go through a series of hormonal changes throughout their lives including puberty, menses, pregnancy and menopause. Menopause can be defined as the phase in a woman’s life when she ceases to be fertile, and her menstruation cycles stop permanently. This process triggers major hormonal changes that affect

various parts of the body, including the oral cavity. If you are going through this you may have noticed a range of oral health effects including inflamed gums, burning mouth sensations, altered taste, bone loss and dry mouth. Dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay and makes eating and swallowing more difficult. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is the most common problem which can appear at this time.

With timely treatment, all the oral health conditions caused due to menopause can be managed effectively. It is advisable to use a fluoride toothpaste, brush twice a day, avoid sugary or salty snacks and aim for a balanced diet. Ensure you have dental check up at least once every

six months. Your doctor may prescribe HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to balance out the hormone fluctuations. Menopause will affect all women, but your own personal experience will be unique to you, so always take your own oral health symptoms seriously and seek your dentist’s help to feel better.

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