Menopause Oral Health

“Women who are menopausal or post-menopausal may experience changes in their mouths. They may notice discomfort in the mouth, including dry mouth, pain…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Oral Health Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Dental Care/Health/Hygiene
  • Gum Problems
  • Oral Care/Health/Hygiene
  • Menopause Oral Care/Health/Hygiene

Diseases and Conditions

Is there an association between oral health and various diseases and conditions?

In Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health – What Conditions Can Be Linked To Oral Health? the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Your oral health might contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:

  • Endocarditis…
  • Cardiovascular Disease…
  • Pregnancy and Birth Complications…
  • Pneumonia

Certain conditions also might affect your oral health, including:

  • Diabetes…
  • HIV/AIDS…
  • Osteoporosis…
  • Alzheimer’s Disease…

Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth (Sjogren’s syndrome)”.2

Menopause

During menopause, what changes can some women experience in their mouth?

In Gum Disease and Women: Menopause and Post-Menopause the American Academy of Periodontology note:

Menopause Oral Health

“Women who are menopausal or post-menopausal may experience changes in their mouths. They may notice discomfort in the mouth, including dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour.

In addition, menopausal gingivostomatitis affects a small percentage of women. Gums that look dry or shiny, bleed easily and range from abnormally pale to deep red mark this condition. Most women find that estrogen supplements help to relieve these symptoms”.3

Bone Health

Is there an association between oral health and bone health?

The North American Menopause Society explain:

“Your dental health and the health of your bones are closely related. So, although problems with teeth and gums may be more common at and after menopause, don’t think of them as normal. With bone loss, the tooth sockets in your jaw deteriorate, leading to receding gums and exposing the roots, which makes you sensitive to cold”.4

Oral Diseases

What are risk factors for oral diseases?

In Oral Health: Key Facts according to the WHO:

  • “Factors contributing to oral diseases are an unhealthy diet high in sugar, use of tobacco and harmful use of alcohol”.5

Oral Health

What is the drill about oral health?

The Mayo Clinic explain:

“To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene daily.

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush using fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss daily
  • Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing
  • Eat a healthy diet and limit food with added sugars
  • Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn
  • Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings
  • Avoid tobacco use

Also, contact your dentist as soon as an oral health problem arises. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health”.6

Keep Your Teeth for Life

How can we keep our teeth for life?

In About Dental Health Week the Australian Dental Association (ADA), for Dental Health Week (DHW) 2021, elaborate on:

Menopause Oral Health

“The ADA’s main oral health messages and the four key messages of the 2021 DHW campaign aim to reinforce the importance of maintaining good oral health to keep your teeth for life:

  • Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake
  • Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive care”.7

Dentist

What should we be sure to tell our dentist?

The Mayo Clinic note:

“Tell your dentist about the medications you take and about changes in your overall health, especially if you’ve recently been ill or you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes”.8

The NAMS explain:

“Take good care of your teeth and your bones. Get regular dental checkups and follow your dentist’s advice about flossing, brushing, and rinsing. And talk to your doctor about bone health”.9

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Menopause Oral Health?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Oral Health?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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  1. 5 Common Questions About Dry Mouth
  2. 5 Things To Do Every Day To Keep Your Heart Healthy: 2. Practice Good Dental Hygiene, Especially Flossing Your Teeth Daily
  3. A-Z Oral Health Information
  4. Adults 31-64
  5. Adults 40-60
  6. Adults Over 60
  7. All A-Z Topics on MouthHealthy
  8. American Dental Association
  9. Bad Breath
  10. Bad Breath
  11. Bad Tooth-Brushing Habits Tied To Higher Heart Risk
  12. Bone Health
  13. Brush Up on Dental Care Basics
  14. Brush Up on How To Brush Your Teeth
  15. Brushing Your Teeth: How To Brush Your Teeth [+ Video]
  16. Burning Mouth Syndrome
  17. Burning Mouth Syndrome
  18. Burning Mouth Syndrome
  19. Can Dry Mouth Be A Symptom of Menopause? — Ask Dr Jean
  20. Caring for My Teeth and Gums
  21. Cavities/Tooth Decay
  22. Consumer Health: Why Good Oral Health Is More Than A Beautiful Smile
  23. Dental Care and Coronavirus (COVID-19) [United Kingdom]
  24. Dental Decay
  25. Dental Health
  26. Dental Health – Multiply Languages
  27. Dental Health Week [2-8 August 2021, Australia] Seen This August 2021 What’s Hot
  28. Diabetes & Oral Health
  29. Diet and Dental Health: Diet & Your Teeth [+ Video: Diet & You Teeth]
  30. Diet and Nutrition
  31. Does Flossing Really Make A Difference?
  32. Does Whitening Toothpaste Actually Whiten Teeth?
  33. Dry Mouth
  34. Dry Mouth
  35. Dry Mouth
  36. Dry Mouth
  37. Dry Mouth Treatment: Tips for Controlling Dry Mouth
  38. Dry Mouth: Diagnosis & Treatment
  39. Everything You Need To Know About COVID-19: Information & Information
  40. Flossing
  41. Frequently Asked Oral Health Questions
  42. Gingivitis
  43. Gum Disease
  44. Gum Disease
  45. Gum Disease and Women
  46. Healthy Body: Dental Check-Ups
  47. Healthy Body: Fear of the Dentist
  48. Healthy Body: How To Keep Your Teeth Clean
  49. Healthy Body: Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Teeth
  50. Healthy Body: Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
  51. Healthy Body: Teeth Whitening
  52. Healthy Gums and Healthy Body
  53. Home Remedies: The Bad Breath Battle
  54. Hormones and Oral Health
  55. How Oral Health May Affect Your Heart, Brain and Risk of Death
  56. Is An Electric Toothbrush Better Than A Manual Toothbrush?
  57. Is It More Effective To Floss Teeth With A Water Pick or Standard Dental Floss?
  58. Lifestyle Risks
  59. Mayo Clinic Minute: Brush Your Way To Heart Health [+ Video]
  60. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Understanding Burning Mouth Syndrome
  61. Menopause
  62. Menopause
  63. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. My gums are starting to recede, and it hurts my teeth to eat anything cold. Is this normal?
  64. Menopause – How Will It Affect My Health? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  65. Mouth Disorders
  66. Mouth and Teeth: Mouth and Teeth [Topics]
  67. MouthHealthy.org
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  69. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [United States]: Health Info
  70. Oral Health
  71. Oral Health
  72. Oral Health
  73. Oral Health
  74. Oral Health Foundation [United Kingdom]
  75. Oral Health Tips
  76. Oral Health for Older Adults: Quick Tips
  77. Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health
  78. Oral Health: Adult Oral Health
  79. Oral Health: Basics of Oral Health
  80. Oral Health: Oral Health Conditions
  81. Oral Health: Severe Tooth Loss and Chronic Diseases Menopause Oral Health
  82. Oral Health: What If I Am Afraid To Go To the Dentist?
  83. Periodontal (Gum) Disease
  84. Safe Tooth Whitening
  85. Science Saturday: Seeking A Regenerative Therapy for Chronic Dry Mouth
  86. Sensitive Teeth
  87. Sjogren’s Syndrome
  88. Sjögren’s Syndrome
  89. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders)
  90. Taste Disorders
  91. Time To Buy A New Toothbrush?
  92. Tooth Decay
  93. Tooth Decay
  94. Tooth Disorders
  95. Toothache
  96. Top Health Checks for Women: Dental Check-Up
  97. What Causes Sensitive Teeth, and How Can I Treat Them?
  98. When and How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
  99. Why Should I Use Dental Floss?
  100. World Oral Health Day [20 March 2021] Menopause Oral Health

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Gum Disease and Women: Menopause and Post-Menopause. American Academy of Periodontology https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-women Accessed: 19 July 2021
  2. Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health – What Conditions May Be Linked To Oral Health? 04 June 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475 Accessed: 19 July 2021
  3. Gum Disease and Women: Menopause and Post-Menopause. American Academy of Periodontology https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-women Accessed: 19 July 2021
  4. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. My gums are starting to recede, and it hurts my teeth to eat anything cold. Is this normal? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 19 July 2021
  5. Oral Health: Key Facts. 25 March 2020. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health Accessed: 19 July 2021
  6. Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health – What Conditions Can Be Linked To Oral Health? How Can I Protect My Oral Health? 04 June 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475 Accessed: 19 July 2021
  7. About Dental Health Week. Australian Dental Association https://www.ada.org.au/Dental-Health-Week-2020/About Accessed: 23 July 2021
  8. Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health – How Can I Protect My Oral Health? 04 June 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475 Accessed: 19 July 2021
  9. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. My gums are starting to recede, and it hurts my teeth to eat anything cold. Is this normal? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-your-health-after-menopause Accessed: 19 July 2021

Topic Last Updated: 23 July 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 19 July 2021
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