Hot flashes and night sweats are well-known problems of menopause, but now dentists are saying women may also face problems with their teeth.
The drop in estrogen levels brought on by menopause can cause saliva production to decrease, leading to a dry mouth.
This can lead to bacteria proliferating — giving someone smelly breath and raising the risk of tooth decay.
Menopause also causes a decrease in bone density — including in the sockets that hold the teeth, which in rare cases may cause them to come loose.
A dentist has revealed a side effect of the menopause that they say is little known. In many cases, women tend to link it to other factors (stock)
At the same time, dentists also say that aging naturally causes the gums to recede — which may expose areas of the teeth not protected by enamel.
Dr Thomas Sollecito, chief of oral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, told the Associated Press: ‘I’m not sure that people are aware of this.
‘As you could well imagine, this could all really spiral out of control.’
Dr Sally Cram, a periodontist in Washington DC, added: ‘The bottom line is most oral conditions and problems during menopause are totally preventable [by paying attention to your teeth].’
Surveys suggest about 50 percent of women experience dry mouth while going through menopause.
But it is likely that most blame this on other factors, such as not drinking enough water, rather than a biological shift.
Menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and fertility, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55 years.
Signs include irregular periods, hot flashes and fluctuations in mood leading to irritability, anxiety or depression.
Women in menopause may also have vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, weight gain and shifts in their skin or hair color.
Mouth dryness is also a potential symptom.
Treatment options include hormone therapy and lifestyle changes, such as limiting saturated fats and eating more fruits and vegetables.
To prevent tooth damage from a dry mouth caused by menopause, dentists recommend good oral hygiene and nutrition as the first line of defense.
That means eating a balanced diet low in sugars and high in calcium-rich foods, and brushing carefully using fluoride toothpaste and an electric toothbrush at least twice a day.
Dr Cram added: ‘An electric toothbrush can be more helpful than manual toothbrushing.
‘See your dentist regularly and ask them: Am I doing a good job? And if I’m not, what could help me do a better job?’
Experts also suggested remaining hydrated in order to avoid dry mouth, pointing out an adult woman needs to drink about 11 and a half cups of water per day — or 2.7 liters.
Dry mouth sprays, lozenges or rinses available over-the-counter could also be used to counter the side effect.
