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.

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    Menopause Oral Health
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  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: 12 January 2025
  2. Oral Health. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health/#tab=tab_1O Accessed: 12 January 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: 12 January 2025
  4. Gum Disease and Women: Menopause and Post-Menopause. American Academy of Periodontology https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-women Accessed: 12 January 2025
  5. Oral Health: Key Facts. 06 November 2024. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health Accessed: 12 January 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: 12 January 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: 12 January 2025
Topic Last Updated: 12 January 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 12 January 2025

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