Menopause Oral Health

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 Organization’s (WHO) 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

Oral Diseases

What are risk factors for oral diseases?

In Oral Health: Key Facts according to the WHO:

  • “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

Menopause

During menopause, what oral changes can some women experience?

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”.5

In Menopause Can Affect Your Mouth — 6 Symptoms To Watch For: Key Takeaways the authors include:

  • “Declining estrogen levels during menopause can affect your mouth, causing symptoms like burning mouth syndrome, dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, taste changes, and inflamed gums”.6

Menopause Oral Health

Postmenopause

Postmenopause, what oral changes can some women experience?

In Oral Manifestations In Menopause-A Scoping Review: Abstract – Conclusions the authors elaborate on:

“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

Prevention

What is the drill about prevention?

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”.8

In Menopause and Oral Health: Clinical Implications and Preventive Strategies, the author includes:

“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

Dentist

What should we be sure to tell our dentist?

In Menopause Can Affect Your Mouth — 6 Symptoms To Watch For, updated 19 May 2026, the author includes:

“Most oral symptoms are manageable with good oral hygiene (brushing twice daily, flossing once daily), medications like antifungals or antidepressants, or home remedies. Visit a dentist if symptoms persist or interfere with daily life”.10

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”.11

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 Updated

  1. Are Gum Disease and Heart Disease Connected?
  2. Are Teeth Whiteners Safe and Worth Trying?
  3. Bad Breath
  4. Bad Breath
  5. Bleeding Gums
  6. Brighten Your Smile: The Best Ways to Safely Whiten Your Teeth
  7. Brushing Your Teeth: How To Brush Your Teeth [+ Video]
  8. Burning Mouth Syndrome
  9. Burning Mouth Syndrome
  10. Burning Mouth Syndrome
  11. Burning Mouth Syndrome
  12. Burning Mouth Syndrome [+ Video]
  13. Can Your Dentist Screen for Oral Cancer?
  14. Caring for My Teeth and Gums
  15. Cavities/Tooth Decay
  16. Changes In the Oral Cavity In Menopausal Women—A Narrative Review
  17. Common Causes for A Metallic Taste In Your Mouth
  18. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  19. Dental Check-Ups
  20. Dental Health
  21. Dental Health Topics From A-Z
  22. Dental Health – Multiply Languages
  23. Diabetes & Oral Health
  24. Dry Mouth
  25. Dry Mouth
  26. Dry Mouth
  27. Dry Mouth
  28. Dry Mouth Treatment: Tips for Controlling Dry Mouth
  29. Flossing May Reduce Risk for Stroke and Irregular Heart Rhythm
  30. Frequently Asked Oral Health Questions
  31. Gingivitis
  32. Gum Disease
  33. Gum Disease
  34. Gum Disease By the Numbers
  35. Gum Disease and Women
  36. How Do We Taste…and Why Does It Go Wrong?
  37. How Does the Menopause Affect Oral Health and the Quality of Life In Female Patients?
  38. How Menopause Affects Your Oral Health
  39. How Oral Health May Affect Your Heart, Brain and Risk of Death
  40. How To Deal With Dental Anxiety
  41. How To Get Rid of Thrush: 8 Remedies
  42. How To Keep Your Teeth Clean
  43. How To Properly Floss Your Teeth
  44. How To Remove Plaque From Your Teeth
  45. How Your Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health
  46. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  47. Is It More Effective To Floss Teeth With A Water Pick or Standard Dental Floss?
  48. Menopause
  49. Menopause
    Menopause Oral Health
  50. Menopause Can Affect Your Mouth — 6 Symptoms To Watch For
  51. Menopause and Oral Health: Clinical Implications and Preventive Strategies
  52. Menopause, Skin and Common Dermatoses. Part 4: Oral Disorders
  53. Menopause: How To Talk To Your Doctor
  54. Mouth Disorders
  55. Mouth and Teeth: Mouth and Teeth [Topics]
  56. MouthHealthy.org [Mouth Health, American Dental Association]
  57. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [United States]: Health Info
  58. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Lifestyle, Diet, Exercise
  59. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Midlife Body Changes
  60. Oral Health
  61. Oral Health
  62. Oral Health
  63. Oral Health Foundation [United Kingdom]
  64. Oral Health Library
  65. Oral Health: A Window To Your Overall Health
  66. Oral Health: About Cavities (Tooth Decay)
  67. Oral Health: About Oral Health
  68. Oral Health: About Periodontal (Gum) Disease
  69. Oral Health: About Tooth Loss
  70. Oral Health: Oral Health Tips for Adults
  71. Oral Manifestations In Menopause-A Scoping Review
  72. Perimenopause, Menopause and Your Oral Health
  73. Safe Tooth Whitening
  74. Sensitive Teeth
  75. Sjogren’s Syndrome
  76. Sjögren’s Syndrome
  77. Surprising Menopause Symptoms | Dr Louise Newson Live
  78. Surprising Menopause Symptoms Q&A | Dr Louise Newson
  79. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders)
  80. Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
  81. Taste Disorders
  82. The Hidden Impact of Hormones on Women’s Gum Health and Overall Wellbeing
  83. The Importance of Gum Health With Anne Clemons, DMD [Podcast]
  84. The Link Between Dental Health and Mental Health: What You Need To Know
  85. Tooth Decay
  86. Tooth Decay
  87. Tooth Disorders
  88. Translated Factsheets
  89. What Causes Sensitive Teeth, and How Can I Treat Them?
  90. What Do Your Hormones Have To Do With Your Oral Health?
  91. What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause?
  92. What Your Mouth Says About Your Health
  93. When and How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
  94. White Tongue
  95. Why Do I Have To Tell My Medical History To My Dentist?
  96. Why You Should Add A Water Flosser To Your Oral Health Routine
  97. World Oral Health Day [20 March]
    Menopause oral Health
  98. Your Daily Dose: Don’t Ignore Gum Disease
  99. Your Daily Dose: Let’s Unpack Menopause
  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: 04 June 2026
  2. Oral Health. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health/#tab=tab_1O Accessed: 04 June 2026
  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: 04 June 2026
  4. Oral Health: Key Facts. 17 March 2025. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health Accessed: 04 June 2026
  5. Gum Disease and Women: Menopause and Post-Menopause. American Academy of Periodontology https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-women Accessed: 04 June 2026
  6. Block A. R. and Gordan, C. Menopause Can Affect Your Mouth — 6 Symptoms To Watch For. Updated: 19 May 2026. https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/menopause-mouth-symptoms Accessed: 04 June 2026
  7. Labunet, A., Objelean, A., Kui, A., et. al. Oral Manifestations In Menopause-A Scoping Review: Abstract – Conclusions. 01 May 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40428795/ Accessed: 04 June 2026
  8. 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: 04 June 2026
  9. Shrivastava, S. Menopause and Oral Health: Clinical Implications and Preventive Strategies. 17 October 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39610962/ Accessed: 04 June 2026
  10. Block A. R. and Gordan, C. Menopause Can Affect Your Mouth — 6 Symptoms To Watch For. Updated: 19 May 2026. https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/menopause-mouth-symptoms Accessed: 04 June 2026
  11. 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: 04 June 2026
Topic Last Updated: 18 July 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 04 June 2026

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by
Copyright © 2011 – 2026 Meno Martha®. All Rights Reserved. | The information provided on  Meno Martha, Meno Martha International Menopause Directory and/or menomartha.com is for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for or replace the medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of your qualified health care providers. | By using this service you accept Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Terms of Use which incorporate Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy. | Meno Martha® is a registered Trademark | Meno Martha International Menopause Directory® is a registered Trademark.
Meno Martha and/or Meno Martha International Menopause Directory do not sell, produce or endorse any products, services or content of any kind including pills or potions for ‘menopause symptom relief’. Please Contact Us if you see or receive any advertisements allegedly by, for or on behalf of Meno Martha and/or Meno Martha International Menopause Directory.