6 Surprising Menopause Symptoms Your Dentist Can Spot (Even at a Regular Cleaning)

Yep, menopause mouth signs are undoubtedly a factor. I had no thought my very own perimenopause expertise would include delicate gums, painful canker sores, and dryness. Since their onset, I’ve tried to self-advocate far more whereas I am within the dentist’s chair. Generally, dentists may even spot the refined oral well being indicators that menopause is on its manner (or is already right here).

Right here, study the commonest menopause mouth signs that your dentists could level out, why they occur, and what to do to get reduction.

What causes oral well being points throughout menopause?

Menopause mouth, like all signs of this pivotal life change, is introduced on by hormone fluctuations as an individual’s fertility declines. A drop in estrogen ranges could cause dryness, and never simply the vaginal selection one may usually anticipate, in response to a Might 2013 examine within the Australian Dental Journal¹.

“Throughout menopause, the physique’s estrogen ranges decline, resulting in a lower in saliva manufacturing,” says Daniel Croley, DMD, chief dental officer of Delta Dental of California and Associates. “Saliva is your mouth’s pure buffer—it cleanses the mouth, neutralizes acids, and protects towards tooth decay and gum illness. Much less saliva can result in elevated tooth decay and altered style,” he provides.

Whereas dentistry difficulties can occur at any time earlier than or throughout your menopause transition, many people don’t know concerning the connection. A current survey performed by Delta Dental discovered 84 % of ladies aged 50 and over are unaware that discomfort in and round your mouth is commonly linked to menopause.

“Impacts on oral well being can happen at any time in the course of the reproductive years,” explains Robin Noble, MD, FACOG, a gynecologist, Menopause Society licensed supplier, and medical director at Intermed Ambulatory Surgical procedure Heart. “However important impacts are extra typical in menopause,” she provides.

6 oral well being signs of menopause

The results of “menopause mouth” can fluctuate, and an individual could get a couple of oral well being problem. Listed here are six of the signs most seen by docs and dentists:

1. Dry mouth

We have seemingly all had a bout of dry mouth at one level or one other. It usually stems from respiration by means of your mouth, taking sure drugs, or inhaling a lot of dry air. Nevertheless it’s additionally a typical menopause symptom.

It’s estimated almost half of menopausal girls have decreased saliva circulation in comparison with these nonetheless getting a interval, in response to a small November 2018 examine within the Journal of Worldwide Society and Preventive & Group Dentistry. And as these saliva ranges drop, xerostomia, or dry mouth, units in. It is an annoying, icky feeling that is virtually such as you’ve swallowed sand.

2. Burning mouth syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome is medical-speak for ongoing burning within the mouth (assume: in your gums, tongue, lips, inside your cheeks, and so forth.) with out an apparent trigger, per the Mayo Clinic. However throughout menopause particularly, some individuals can really feel intense stinging, tingling, and ache in and round their mouth with out an harm. In truth, as much as 33 % of individuals in menopause have burning mouth syndrome, in response to an older BMJ Medical Proof assessment.

Different attainable secondary causes of burning mouth syndrome (in addition to menopause) could embody the next, per the Mayo Clinic:

• Dry mouth
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Allergic reactions
• Sure drugs
• Acid reflux disorder
• Stress or anxiousness

3. Chilly sores or canker sores

In response to an older 2010 examine in Maturitas, menopause is related to suppressed immune perform—which is a main think about oral well being. A lagging immune system usually triggers painful eruptions in and across the mouth, together with canker sores (I’ve undoubtedly had a couple of, and ouch!) or chilly sores. Another indicators of canker sores to be careful for embody the next, per the American Academy of Dermatology Affiliation:

• Burning sensation in mouth
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Redness and swelling across the sore (on the lips, gums, or contained in the cheeks)

4. Bleeding gums

Menopause also can wreak havoc in your gums, leaving them swollen, tender and extra susceptible to bleeding and an infection. In response to Dr. Croley, hormonal modifications could make gums extra delicate to irritants like plaque and micro organism, which will increase the danger of periodontitis (i.e., gum illness) and tooth decay down the highway.

I’ve personally discovered cleanings at my dental checkups have change into extra intense and painful, regardless of my flossing and brushing routine. Professional-tip: Don’t be afraid to inform your hygienist to go a bit simpler, or in the event you want a break in the course of the cleansing course of.

5. Tooth hassle

You are at the next danger of bone loss as your estrogen dips—together with the weakening of bones in your jaw and tooth. Folks in menopause who even have gum illness are then hit with a double-whammy that will put their pearly whites prone to harm or decay, per the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medication. And even when you do not have gum illness, chances are you’ll expertise extra tooth sensitivity throughout menopause (particularly when consuming sizzling or chilly meals).

6. Lip sensitivity and thinning

Final however actually not least, your lips are sometimes affected by menopause, too. Your kisser can get thinner, extra delicate, and susceptible to an infection or inflammatory circumstances. That features angular cheilitis—a situation the place the corners of the lips can change into cracked and painful, in response to a January 2022 assessment within the Worldwide Journal of Environmental Analysis and Public Well being⁵.

Easy methods to deal with oral well being points from menopause

Whereas irritating and sometimes painful, there are efficient and simple methods you may deal with, and generally even stop, menopause mouth signs. This consists of:

Holding a wholesome dental routine

Specialists agree sustaining a wholesome dental routine throughout menopause is important to keep away from or mitigate menopause mouth signs. Meaning brushing and flossing on the common and getting in to see your dentist for checkups and cleanings. Backside line: What you discovered again in preschool about caring for your tooth nonetheless applies, and it’s extra essential than ever!

“We’ve been given this one set of grownup tooth,” says Dr. Noble. “It’s so essential that individuals study at a younger age to handle their dental well being.”

Staying hydrated

Decreased saliva brought on by hormone fluctuations could result in plaque buildup, irritating the tooth and gums. In between brushing and flossing, drink satisfactory quantities of water, attempt to reduce down on sugary or flavored drinks, and take into account holding sugar-free chewing gum on the prepared in order that plaque doesn’t sit in your tooth for too lengthy.

Stocking up on mouthwash and toothpaste

There are numerous over-the-counter (OTC) merchandise particularly designed to deal with and deal with mouth sensitivities—together with toothpastes and mouthwashes. These are efficient and comparatively cheap methods to make an enormous distinction in your oral care and luxury. Personally, I’ve had good outcomes with Sensodyne toothpaste, and anti inflammatory mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide to appease my gums. However your dentist might also advocate prescription-strength therapies, relying on the severity of signs.

Ache-relieving meds like ibuprofen also can work effectively to lower gum and mouth ache basically, as do anesthetic topical gels and sprays (like Orajel).

Attempting house treatments

Surprisingly sufficient, your kitchen may additionally provide different reduction choices. A great, old school saltwater gargle works wonders for mouth soreness of all types, per the NHS. Sucking on some ice chips also can quickly ease burning mouth syndrome, per the Mayo Clinic, and clove oil utilized on to the gums or mouth ulcers reduces irritation, per a Might-June 2014 comparative examine within the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology.

Contemplating hormone remedy

For those who’re having different menopause signs alongside mouth issues, it would time to speak along with your physician a couple of low dose of estradiol or different hormone alternative remedy (HRT). It could simply assist out your tooth, too. Whereas the analysis is restricted, one older 1998 examine in Compendium of Persevering with Training in Dentistry discovered girls who used HRT throughout menopause had a 24 % decrease danger of tooth loss than those that did not take it.

You and your physician will be capable to resolve whether or not making an attempt HRT is best for you, based mostly in your symptom severity.

When to see the dentist about oral well being points in menopause

For those who’re in perimenopause or menopause and begin to have dental points like swollen and sore gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, or tooth sensitivity, you may need to flag them along with your dentist and your OB/GYN or primary-care physician. That manner, your total group will help decide if hormones are the wrongdoer, or one other underlying well being problem.

And in the event you’ve acquired extreme ache, swelling, or trauma to your tooth or gums, get in to see your dentist as quickly as attainable, says Dr. Croley. It is best to by no means delay true emergencies. Fast dental care will help stop everlasting problems down the highway.

“Menopause is a time to double down on wholesome habits, preventative care, and empower girls to make the healthiest decisions for themselves, with shared decision-making and steering from trusted suppliers,” Dr. Noble says.