Menopause Oral Health

“Women who are menopausal or post-menopausal may experience changes in their mouths. They may notice dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Menopause 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

Definition

What is oral health?

DotS the definition of oral health may vary. In Oral Health the World Health Organizations definition is:

“Oral health is the state of the mouth, teeth and orofacial structures that enables individuals to perform essential functions such as eating, breathing and speaking, and encompasses psychosocial dimensions such as self-confidence, well-being and the ability to socialize and work without pain, discomfort and embarrassment. Oral health varies over the life course from early life to old age, is integral to general health and supports individuals in participating in society and achieving their potential”.2

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 play a part in conditions such as:

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

Certain conditions also might affect your oral health, including:

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

Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and an immune system condition that causes dry mouth called Sjogren’s syndrome”.3

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 dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour”.4

Oral Diseases

What are risk factors for oral diseases?

In Oral Health: Key Facts according to the World Health Organization:

  • “Oral diseases are caused by a range of modifiable risk factors common to many noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including sugar consumption, tobacco use, alcohol use and poor hygiene, and their underlying social and commercial determinants”.5

Oral Health

What is the drill about oral health?

The Mayo Clinic explain:

“To protect your oral health, take care of your mouth every day.

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too
  • Clean between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser or other products made for that purpose
  • Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Do it sooner if bristles are worn or flare out
  • See a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist may suggest visits or cleanings more often, depending on your situation. You might be sent to a gum specialist, called a periodontist, if your gums need more care
  • Don’t use tobacco.

Contact your dentist right away if you notice any oral health problems. Taking care of your oral health protects your overall health”.6

Dentist

What should we be sure to tell our dentist?

The Mayo Clinic note:

“Tell your dentist about the medicines you take. And make sure your dentist knows about any changes in your overall health. This includes recent illnesses or ongoing conditions you may have, such as diabetes”.7

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z 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

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or UpdatedMenopause Oral Health

  1. A-Z Oral Health Information
  2. All the Ways Menopause Affects Your Oral Health
  3. Are Gum Disease and Heart Disease Connected?
  4. Are Teeth Whiteners Safe and Worth Trying?
  5. At-Home Dental Care: True or False?
  6. Bad Breath
  7. Bad Breath
  8. Bleeding Gums
  9. Bone Health
  10. Brush Up on Dental Care Basics
  11. Brushing Your Teeth: How To Brush Your Teeth [+ Video]
  12. Burning Mouth Syndrome
  13. Burning Mouth Syndrome
  14. Burning Mouth Syndrome
  15. Can Dry Mouth Be A Symptom of Menopause? — Ask Dr Jean
  16. Can Your Dentist Screen for Oral Cancer?
  17. Caring for My Teeth and Gums
  18. Cavities/Tooth Decay
  19. Changes In the Oral Cavity In Menopausal Women—A Narrative Review
  20. Common Causes for A Metallic Taste In Your Mouth
  21. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  22. Dental Check-Ups
  23. Dental Decay
  24. Dental Health
  25. Dental Health Topics From A-Z
  26. Dental Health Week [5-11 August 2024, Australia]
  27. Dental Health – Multiply Languages
  28. Diabetes & Oral Health
  29. Dry Mouth
  30. Dry Mouth
  31. Dry Mouth
  32. Dry Mouth
  33. Dry Mouth Treatment: Tips for Controlling Dry Mouth
  34. Frequently Asked Oral Health Questions
  35. Gingivitis
  36. Gum Disease
  37. Gum Disease
  38. Gum Disease By the Numbers
  39. Gum Disease and Women
  40. Healthy Gums and Healthy Body
  41. How Do We Taste…and Why Does It Go Wrong?
  42. How Does the Menopause Affect Oral Health and the Quality of Life In Female Patients?
  43. How Oral Health May Affect Your Heart, Brain and Risk of Death
  44. How To Clean Your Toothbrush
  45. How To Deal With Dental Anxiety
  46. How To Get Rid of Thrush: 8 Remedies
  47. How To Keep Your Teeth Clean
  48. How To Properly Brush Your Teeth
  49. How Your Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health
  50. Is It More Effective To Floss Teeth With A Water Pick or Standard Dental Floss?
  51. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms of Menopause [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP] [Other Languages and Formats]
  52. Mayo Clinic Minute: Brush Your Way To Heart Health [+ Video]
  53. Menopausal Symptoms Are Associated With Oral Sensory Complaints In Perimenopausal Women: An Observational Study
  54. Menopause
  55. Menopause
  56. Menopause Can Affect Your Mouth — 6 Symptoms To Watch For
  57. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  58. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  59. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  60. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  61. Menopause, Skin and Common Dermatoses. Part 4: Oral Disorders
  62. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  63. Mouth and Teeth: Mouth and Teeth [Topics]
  64. MouthHealthy.org [Mouth Health, American Dental Association]
  65. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [United States]: Health Info
  66. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  67. Oral Health
  68. Oral Health
  69. Oral Health
  70. Oral Health Foundation [United Kingdom]
  71. Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health
  72. Oral Health: About Cavities (Tooth Decay)
  73. Oral Health: About Oral Health
  74. Oral Health: About Periodontal (Gum) Disease
  75. Oral Health: About Tooth Loss
  76. Oral Health: Oral Health Tips for Adults
  77. Oral Health: What If I Am Afraid To Go To the Dentist?
  78. Safe Tooth Whitening
  79. Sensitive Teeth
  80. Sjogren’s Syndrome
  81. Sjögren’s Syndrome
  82. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders)
  83. Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
  84. Taste Disorders
  85. The Hidden Impact of Hormones on Women’s Gum Health and Overall Wellbeing
  86. The Importance of Gum Health With Anne Clemons, DMD [Podcast]
  87. The Link Between Dental Health and Mental Health: What You Need To Know
  88. Tooth Decay
  89. Tooth Disorders
  90. Translated Factsheets
  91. What Causes Sensitive Teeth, and How Can I Treat Them?
  92. What Do Your Hormones Have To Do With Your Oral Health?
  93. What Your Mouth Says About Your Health
  94. When and How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
  95. White Tongue
  96. Why Do I Have To Tell My Medical History To My Dentist?
  97. Why You Should Add A Water Flosser To Your Oral Health Routine
  98. World Oral Health Day [20 March 2025]
  99. World Oral Health Day [20 March 2025]
    Menopause Oral Health
  100. Your Smile (and Mouth) Can Tell You More Than You Might Think

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: 20 March 2025
  2. Oral Health. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health/#tab=tab_1O Accessed: 20 March 2025
  3. Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health – What Conditions May Be Linked To Oral Health? 14 March 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475 Accessed: 20 March 2025
  4. Gum Disease and Women: Menopause and Post-Menopause. American Academy of Periodontology https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-women Accessed: 20 March 2025
  5. Oral Health: Key Facts. 17 March 2025. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health Accessed: 20 March 2025
  6. Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health – What Conditions Can Be Linked To Oral Health? How Can I Protect My Oral Health? 14 March 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475 Accessed: 20 March 2025
  7. Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health – How Can I Protect My Oral Health? 14 March 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475 Accessed: 20 March 2025
Topic Last Updated: 20 March 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 20 March 2025

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