Dental health in menopause

 Look After Your Mouth 

The drop in oestrogen during peri/post menopause has an effect on your mouth as well as general ageing. A selection of symptoms you could look forward to: 

Dry or burning mouth syndrome
Increase in tooth decay
Dysesthesia (burning/aching)
Taste alterations 
Gingivitis (gum inflammation)
Periodontitis (gum disease) 
Osteoporotic jaws

There's a very strong link between the state of your oral health and general health, particularly gut issues, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia so it's definitely worth revisiting your oral health routine. HRT can help with some of the symptoms but the main thing is to do the basics really well.

What can you do to improve your mouth's health?

1. Brush 
Use fluoride toothpaste and brush twice a day. Use a DRY BRUSH and DO NOT RINSE. You want the fluoride in contact with the teeth. Only turn the tap to rinse the sink not your mouth. Brush for at least two minutes and do it properly. I've linked a video below but also ask your dentist when you go.

2. Floss
Flossing is excellent but you need to know how to do it properly.

3. Inter-dental brush
Put these on your shopping list. They need to be a snug fit so you might need different sizes between different teeth - ask your dentist to show you how to do it properly.

4. Flouride mouthwash
Flouride mouthwash NOT antibacterial (as it kills the good bacteria too). Use the mouthwash at a different time to brushing. For example, brush your teeth as soon as you get up then have your breakfast then use your mouthwash. It's not going to do anything extra if you use it straight after brushing your teeth.

5. Saliva and extra water
If you use flouride toothpaste then your saliva will also contain fluoride ions that help repair microscopic damage. Sugar free gum is good for saliva production. 

If you use sports drinks or gummy gels have a spare bottle of water and dilute that extra sugar

Further reading...
Podcast on oral health with Dr Julie Gallagher from the Eastman Dental Institute (main notes above taken from this talk)

Blog page on gum disease on Balance Menopause site

Oral health in menopause paper