“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

“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

• “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”.⁴

“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”.⁵

“Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to xerostomia (dry mouth), periodontal disease, burning mouth syndrome (BMS), oral mucosal changes, altered taste sensation, and osteoporosis-related oral health issues. Xerostomia results from decreased salivary flow, increasing the risk of dental caries and oral infections. Periodontal disease is exacerbated by estrogen deficiency, leading to bone loss and increased tooth mobility. BMS, characterized by a chronic burning sensation, and oral mucosal atrophy are linked to hormonal fluctuations. In addition, altered taste perception and osteoporosis further complicate oral health management”.⁶

“Postmenopausal women experience notable reductions in salivary flow, pH levels, and taste sensitivity, which are associated with hormonal fluctuations as well as factors such as age, medication use, and treatments for climacteric symptoms. This population is at increased risk for periodontitis, tooth loss, altered taste, lichen planus, candidiasis, and decreased bone mineral density, which also affect the peri-implant area. Osteoporosis and hormonal changes can play a significant role in causing these increased risks”.⁷

“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”.⁸

“Effective prevention and management strategies include regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene practices, and tailored treatments such as fluoride treatments, saliva substitutes, and hormone replacement therapy. Nonpharmacological approaches such as stress management and lifestyle modifications also play a role”.⁹

“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”.¹⁰