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 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)”.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

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”.5

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”.6

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 for two minutes each time. Use 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 sugary food and drinks
  • Replace your toothbrush every three months to four 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”.7

Keep Your Teeth for Life

How can we keep our teeth for life?

In Dental Health Week: Campaign Messages the Australian Dental Association (ADA), for 2022 Dental Health Week, campaign messages included:

Menopause Oral Health

  • “Brush your 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”.8

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”.9

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

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.

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  35. Dry Mouth
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  39. Dry Mouth: Diagnosis & Treatment
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  45. Gum Disease and Women
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  61. 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?
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  69. MouthHealthy.org [Mouth Health, American Dental Association]
  70. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [United States]: Health Info
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  75. Oral Health Foundation [United Kingdom]
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  78. Oral Health: Adult Oral Health
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  85. Sjogren’s Syndrome
  86. Sjögren’s Syndrome
  87. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders)
  88. Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
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  100. World Oral Health Day 2023 [20 March]

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: 24 February 2023
  2. Oral Health. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health/#tab=tab_1O Accessed: 24 February 2023
  3. Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health – What Conditions May Be Linked To Oral Health? 28 October 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475 Accessed: 24 February 2023
  4. Gum Disease and Women: Menopause and Post-Menopause. American Academy of Periodontology https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-women Accessed: 24 February 2023
  5. 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: 24 February 2023
  6. Oral Health: Key Facts. 18 November 2022. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health Accessed: 24 February 2023
  7. Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health – What Conditions Can Be Linked To Oral Health? How Can I Protect My Oral Health? 28 October 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475 Accessed: 24 February 2023
  8. About Dental Health Week: Campaign Week. Australian Dental Association https://www.ada.org.au/Dental-Health-Week Accessed: 24 February 2023
  9. Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health – How Can I Protect My Oral Health? 28 October 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475 Accessed: 24 February 2023
  10. 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: 24 February 2023
Topic Last Updated: 31 March 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 24 February 2023

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