Hot flashes and night sweats are common menopausal problems, but dentists now say women can also experience dental problems.
The drop in estrogen levels during menopause can cause saliva production to decrease, leading to dry mouth.
This can lead to the spread of bacteria, causing bad breath and increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Menopause also causes bone density to decrease, including in the sockets where the teeth sit. In rare cases, this can lead to teeth becoming loose.
A dentist has revealed a side effect of menopause that they say is little known. In many cases, women tend to link it to other factors (stock)
Dentists also say that gums recede due to aging, exposing parts of the teeth that are not protected by enamel.
Dr. Thomas Sollecito, chief of the department of oral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, told Associated Press: ‘I’m not sure if people are aware of this.
‘You can imagine that this can all get quite out of hand.’
Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist in Washington, DC, adds, “The bottom line is that most oral problems and conditions during menopause are completely preventable (by taking good care of your teeth).”
Research shows that approximately 50 percent of women suffer from dry mouth during menopause.
But it is more likely that most people attribute this to other factors, such as not drinking enough water, and not to a biological abnormality.
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility and typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
Symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, and mood swings that can lead to irritability, anxiety, or depression.
Menopausal women may also experience vaginal dryness, sleep problems, weight gain, and changes in the color of their skin or hair.
Dry mouth is also a possible symptom.
Treatment options include hormone therapy and lifestyle changes, such as limiting saturated fats and eating more fruits and vegetables.
To prevent damage to teeth from dry mouth due to menopause, dentists recommend practicing good oral hygiene and diet as the first line of defense.
This means that you should eat a balanced diet that is low in sugar and high in calcium-rich foods. You should also brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and an electric toothbrush.
Dr. Cram adds: ‘An electric toothbrush may be more helpful than manual brushing.
‘Visit your dentist regularly and ask him: Am I doing it right? And if not, what can help me do it better?’
Experts also advise drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dry mouth. An adult woman should drink about 11.5 cups of water per day, or 2.7 liters.
Over-the-counter dry mouth sprays, lozenges, or mouthwashes can also be used to help combat the side effect.