“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:
- 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:
“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:
- 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”.7
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”.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 A-Z related to Menopause Oral Health?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
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 Updated
- Are Gum Disease and Heart Disease Connected? [12 August 2024]
- Are Teeth Whiteners Safe and Worth Trying? [15 July 2024]
- Dental Health Week [5-11 August 2024, Australia]
- Gum Disease By the Numbers [02 July 2024]
- Surprising Menopause Symptoms Revisited | Dr Louise Newson [25 June 2024]
- The Importance of Gum Health With Anne Clemons, DMD [Podcast] [07 August 2024]
- A-Z Oral Health Information
- All the Ways Menopause Affects Your Oral Health
- Are Gum Disease and Heart Disease Connected?
- Are Teeth Whiteners Safe and Worth Trying?
- At-Home Dental Care: True or False?
- Bad Breath
- Bad Breath
- Bleeding Gums
- Bone Health
- Brush Up on Dental Care Basics
- Brushing Your Teeth: How To Brush Your Teeth [+ Video]
- Burning Mouth Syndrome
- Burning Mouth Syndrome
- Burning Mouth Syndrome
- Can Dry Mouth Be A Symptom of Menopause? — Ask Dr Jean
- Can Your Dentist Screen for Oral Cancer?
- Caring for My Teeth and Gums
- Cavities/Tooth Decay
- Changes In the Oral Cavity In Menopausal Women—A Narrative Review
- Common Causes for A Metallic Taste In Your Mouth
- Dental Check-Ups
- Dental Decay
- Dental Health
- Dental Health Topics From A-Z
- Dental Health Week [5-11 August 2024, Australia]
- Dental Health – Multiply Languages
- Diabetes & Oral Health
- Dry Mouth
- Dry Mouth
- Dry Mouth
- Dry Mouth
- Dry Mouth Treatment: Tips for Controlling Dry Mouth
- Frequently Asked Oral Health Questions
- Gingivitis
- Gum Disease
- Gum Disease
- Gum Disease By the Numbers
- Gum Disease and Women
- Healthy Gums and Healthy Body
- How Do We Taste…and Why Does It Go Wrong?
- How Oral Health May Affect Your Heart, Brain and Risk of Death
- How To Clean Your Toothbrush
- How To Deal With Dental Anxiety
- How To Get Rid of Thrush: 8 Remedies
- How To Keep Your Teeth Clean
- How To Properly Brush Your Teeth
- How Your Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health
- Is It More Effective To Floss Teeth With A Water Pick or Standard Dental Floss?
- 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]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Brush Your Way To Heart Health [+ Video]
- Menopausal Symptoms Are Associated With Oral Sensory Complaints In Perimenopausal Women: An Observational Study
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause Can Affect Your Mouth — 6 Symptoms To Watch For
- 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?
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
- Menopause, Skin and Common Dermatoses. Part 4: Oral Disorders
- Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
- Mouth and Teeth: Mouth and Teeth [Topics]
- MouthHealthy.org [Mouth Health, American Dental Association]
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [United States]: Health Info
- Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
- Oral Health
- Oral Health
- Oral Health
- Oral Health Foundation [United Kingdom]
- Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health
- Oral Health: About Cavities (Tooth Decay)
- Oral Health: About Oral Health
- Oral Health: About Periodontal (Gum) Disease
- Oral Health: About Tooth Loss
- Oral Health: Oral Health Tips for Adults
- Oral Health: What If I Am Afraid To Go To the Dentist?
- Safe Tooth Whitening
- Sensitive Teeth
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Surprising Menopause Symptoms Revisited | Dr Louise Newson
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders)
- Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
- Taste Disorders
- The Importance of Gum Health With Anne Clemons, DMD [Podcast]
- The Link Between Dental Health and Mental Health: What You Need To Know
- Tooth Decay
- Tooth Disorders
- Top Health Checks for Women: Dental Check-Up
- Translated Factsheets
- Video Series-2024: Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
- What Causes Sensitive Teeth, and How Can I Treat Them?
- What Do Your Hormones Have To Do With Your Oral Health?
- What Your Mouth Says About Your Health
- When and How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
- White Tongue
- Why Do I Have To Tell My Medical History To My Dentist?
- Why You Should Add A Water Flosser To Your Oral Health Routine
- World Oral Health Day [20 March]
- 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
- Gum Disease and Women: Menopause and Post-Menopause. American Academy of Periodontology https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-women Accessed: 06 July 2024
- Oral Health. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health/#tab=tab_1O Accessed: 06 July 2024
- 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: 06 July 2024
- Gum Disease and Women: Menopause and Post-Menopause. American Academy of Periodontology https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-women Accessed: 06 July 2024
- 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: 06 July 2024
- Oral Health: Key Facts. 14 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health Accessed: 06 July 2024
- 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: 06 July 2024
- 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: 06 July 2024
- 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: 06 July 2024