Dams of heat, mood swings, dry skin – you’ve probably heard of it. But menopause can also wreak havoc on your oral health – a less known symptom that deserves much more attention.
Let’s start with the basics: menopause is officially diagnosed when a person has not had a menstrual cycle for 12 months. The perimenopause, a period of transition, when the reproductive hormones, in particular estrogens, begin to drop. This hormonal change is responsible for many symptoms associated with menopause, including those who can spoil your mouth.
To understand what is going on, I spoke to two experts (a gynecologist and a dentist) who broke out how menopause affects your teeth and your gums, as well as what you can do to stay in advance.
How does menopause affect your oral health?
Estrogens play a major role in maintaining the health of your oral tissues. When the levels drop, your mouth can feel the impact.
“During menopause, the drop in estrogens can lead to significant changes in the oral cavity, including dry mouth (xerostomic), the burning tongue (glossodynia), increased sensitivity of genres and taste changes,” explains Dr. Somi Javaid, an Ob / Gyn à la carte and the founder of Hermd.
Hormonal changes can also increase your risk of inflammation of the gums, gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Saliva production is another problem. “Saliva is essential to neutralize acids, wash bacteria and prevent dental caries,” said Dr. Pia Lieb, cosmetic dentist at Cosmetic Dentistry Center NYC. “Without enough saliva, you are more vulnerable to cavities, infections and even difficulty speaking or swallowing.”
Menopause can also increase your risk of osteoporosis, which can affect the jaw and potentially cause teeth or complications with dental implants.
How to protect your teeth during menopause
Now, for the good news: you don’t have to kiss the health of your goodbye teeth simply because you are in perimenopause or menopause. According to our experts, you can do several things to avoid the drop in oral health during this period of life. Below, some of the most effective tactics:
- Practice good oral hygiene: “Brush twice a day with fluorine toothpaste, dental silk daily and use a alcohol-free bottle rinse”, explains Lieb. Regular dental silk is also crucial, adds Javaid.
- Stay hydrated: If the dry mouth is a problem, increase your water consumption, explains Lieb. “You can also use saliva substitutes to keep your mouth hydrated.”
- Go regularly to the dentist: “Regular controls and cleaning becomes even more critical during and after menopause,” says Lieb. In addition, the deep routine cleanings will prevent the accumulation of plate. Early detection and intervention can alleviate the progression of oral health complications associated with menopause, ”explains Javaid.
- Talk to your doctor: Make an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss the overall menopause treatments that may suit you. “Hormone therapy (HT) can be beneficial for many women, especially when oral symptoms are part of a wider systemic hormonal deficiency,” explains Javaid. “A complete evaluation is essential to adapt the treatment to the needs of the patient.”
Menopause of oral health products to buy
The experts told us that maintaining oral hygiene was crucial during menopause. To help you do exactly that, we have gathered popular products that fit perfectly into your teeth cleaning routine. All products below have been recommended by experts in previous reports or have high notes.
Best toothbrush: Philips Sonicare 4100 electric toothbrush
One of our favorite electric toothbrushes, this Philips Sonicare model has an ergonomic handle, up to two weeks of battery life on a full load and a two -minute timer to help you brush during the recommended time. It also has a pressure sensor that alerts you if you rub too hard.
Best Floss: Cocofloss rocket
This Floss is a winner of the NBC Select Wellness Award, thanks in part to the fact that it is made from recycled polyester, vegan wax and coconut oil and allows you to reach the back of your mouth while soothing the gums, depending on the brand. Jordan Bowman, editor -in -chief of the NBC trade, likes him to be thicker because he easily grabs the plate or the leftover food between his teeth.
Best water thread: Waterpik aquarius water flosser
Some people prefer to use a water thread on the regular wire. We previously recommended this model because it is one of the most popular models on the market. You can adjust the pressure settings and select between two modes – the silk wire and the massage. It is also delivered with four tips: standard, orthodontic precision, PIK pocket and plaque researcher.
Best rinse-blisters: Total lister Care Zero Alcohol Anticavity Bash
This fog rinse is exempt from alcohol and can strengthen enamel, prevent cavities and refresh breathing, according to the brand. Mint taste is not overwhelming and contains fluoride to further protect teeth.
Best Saliva Substitute: Oracoat Xylimelts
Place one of these cast iron on your gum line and leave it for 10 seconds while it dissolves. It will act as a saliva substitute to hydrate a dry mouth. You get 40 sugar -free cast iron in a pack and they have a light mint flavor. A cast iron will relieve the symptoms of the dry mouth up to a few hours.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on training and / or relevant experience. We also make sure that all advice and recommendations of experts are made independently and without non -disclosed financial conflicts.
- Dr Somi Javaid is an ob / gyn surgeon certified by board of directors and founder of Hermd
- Dr Pia Lieb is a cosmetic dentist with Cosmetic Dentistry Center NYC.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor to NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers subjects such as beauty, house and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed two experts on menopause and oral health.
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