Dry mouth, a burning sensation on the tongue or lips, and bleeding gums are some of the symptoms that join the list of changes menopause brings to your life. They are not as widely discussed as hot flushes, but they are real, and it is worth doing something about them before they start to threaten your oral health.
Let’s start with the seemingly simple one: dry mouth. Saliva production decreases during menopause. The issue is that saliva is what partly cleans your mouth of food debris, neutralises harmful acids and reduces the bacterial load, so it protects you.
So if your mouth feels dry and you have difficulty swallowing and bad breath, even though you faithfully follow the rules of oral hygiene, you are not imagining it. These are symptoms of menopause. What can you do? Drink more water to improve your hydration.
If you have burning mouth syndrome and feel your lips, tongue or the inside of your mouth burning, yes, you are not imagining that either. According to research, 18% to 33% of women who have entered menopause will experience burning mouth syndrome. It is also linked to a deficiency of B-complex vitamins.
Gingivitis. If you see your gums bleeding while you brush, see your dentist promptly. Treating gingivitis early can protect your teeth from further deterioration.
And finally, loss of bone density. Perhaps the most serious issue, as it affects the structures that support your teeth. Regular visits to the dentist, every six or four months depending on their advice, ensure that tooth decay or periodontitis will not progress and will be treated long before they cause serious problems.
Most of the time, due to a lack of information, these symptoms are overlooked, especially in their early stages. But the drop in oestrogen and progesterone does not affect only your reproductive system.
The timing of check-ups and examinations changes. They need to be more frequent and more targeted if you want to keep healthy, functional teeth. Your dentist can help you reduce the discomfort and guide you through this new phase of your life. All you need to do is trust them.