Can menopause harm your teeth? 52-year-old developed bleeding gums and mouth burns

Dr Dev put Singh on an oral hygiene protocol, regular dental check-ups, adequate hydration and saliva substitutes. Her discomfort improved.

Hormonal changes result in cavities and gum inflammation

Menopause is often associated with hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, sleep disturbances, irregular cycles and so on. Seldom does dental health figure in conversations. Take the case of 75-year-old Susan Dcruz, who is a regular at the gym and does an impressive 60 kg deadlift. She is not only building muscle at this age but is also steadily reversing her diabetes. Her only grouse is that she can’t eat very well to keep up with her increased nutritional demands, as she doesn’t have more than a few teeth left.

She began losing her teeth gradually in her 50s and was diagnosed with diabetes around the same time. “Her 3D jaw scans for implant surgery revealed severe bone loss as well. It’s never just a lack of brushing twice or never seeing the dentist regularly that causes people to have dental issues. It’s rooted in systemic health, too, in her case menopause,” explains Dr Tejaswini Nagarkar, chief dental surgeon, Dolphydent Dental Clinic, Porvorim, Goa.

What are the symptoms of menopausal dental issues?

In menopause, the most prominent oral symptom is dry mouth (xerostomia) due to dropping estrogen levels. A dry mouth, devoid of the self-cleansing action of saliva, is a perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive and wreak havoc on teeth. According to research, women naturally tend to have lower oral pH than men and menopausal dry mouth exacerbates the incidence of cavities.

Declining estrogen levels also cause a reduction in bone density and gum inflammation that might aggravate a pre-existing gum disease. A simple gingivitis can potentially turn into periodontitis and tooth loss if not identified and treated on time. Another common problem associated with menopause is burning mouth syndrome, a constant burning sensation on the tongue or inside of cheeks, palate or lips.

Decline in estrogen can lead to bone loss around the teeth

The decline in estrogen levels, adds Dr Nancy Arora Sodhi, department of dental health, Livasa Hospital, Amritsar, may even lead to bone loss around the teeth. “The jawbone can develop osteoporosis, making it thinner, more porous, and less able to hold teeth firmly. Estrogen deficiency makes gums more prone to inflammation, gingivitis, and advanced periodontitis. This inflammatory response destroys the fibres and bone that hold teeth in place. Poor salivary flow makes the mouth more vulnerable to cavities and infections, reducing the protection against acids and bacteria that contribute to decay and gum disease,” she says.

Women in menopause may need professional dental cleaning, oral hygiene counselling and guidance on hydration and saliva-stimulating measures. Dental follow-ups are a must, suggests Dr Sodhi.

What should be done for dental health management?

Menopause doesn’t hit women suddenly. It starts with perimenopause in the 40s and meticulous oral healthcare becomes important from then on.

“A high fluoride toothpaste is recommended along with plenty of hydration, exercise, Vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium supplements. Alcohol and smoking are best avoided, and so are mouthwashes containing alcohol. Your dentist may recommend chewing gums containing xylitol to prevent cavities, increase salivary flow, ease dry mouth symptoms, a mouthwash to reduce the microbial load, prevent and treat gum disease, and also saliva substitutes which come in gel, spray or lozenge form,” explains Dr Nagarkar.