If you’re approaching menopause or over the hump, then you know: in freefall estrogen can lead to a dry vagina. But did you know that it has the same effect on your mouth? “We have a very similar type of tissue in the mouth, so it’s not a surprise,” says Katie LeeDDS, Colorado-based dentist and systemic oral health expert. Additionally, “the salivary glands have estrogen receptors,” so when the hormone overtakes it, its benefits also increase. The result is less saliva, which can trigger a host of other problems, from digestive issues to burning mouth and red gums. And there is another factor that complicates the situation: the loss of estrogen also leads to weakening bonewhich can result in tooth breakage and loss.

Unfortunately, many dentists haven’t gotten the memo. According to Delta Dental Insurance Company 2024 Oral Health and Menopause Surveymore than a third of women aged 40 and over report that their oral health deteriorates with age. Among those interviewed, 93 percent would like menopause-friendly advice from their dentist, but only 18% had discussed this with their provider.

To get to the root of the problem – the loss of estrogen – the best solution is (you guessed it) hormone replacement therapy (THS). There is a distinct lack of recent studies on HRT and oral health, but research from the last 10 to 15 years suggests a link between hormone therapy and better health. gumsas well as a reduced risk of tooth loss. The main goal, says Lee, is to “reduce inflammation as much as possible – and a really good way to do that is to make sure your hormones are properly balanced.” The more inflammation we have, she explains, the more likely bacteria from the mouth will enter the bloodstream and damage other parts of the body. “It’s multifactorial, because oral bacteria are implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, heart disease, intestinal problems and arthritis.”

What to do if you are already having problems? Here are the signs to look out for and how to manage them.

Dry mouth

What happens: “This decrease in saliva is really essential for overall health,” says Lee. “As well as being terribly uncomfortable, it has many health consequences. » Number one? Poor digestion: Because saliva contains digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, digestion really begins in the mouth, she says. “Many women will start to experience digestive issues because their food is no longer broken down in their mouth,” she says. “Another significant problem is that people can start to choke when swallowing, because the food is not properly lubricated.”

But wait, there’s more. Postmenopausal women are also at increased risk of bad breath, altered taste, and tooth decay because “there’s less saliva to wash away those bits of breakfast and lunch that are still lying around,” says Chris Salierno, DDS, chief dentist at Tend. “Tooth decay is essentially the demineralization of your teeth, but if you do a good job of keeping things relatively clean, your body can actually remineralize early cavities.” Saliva contains trace amounts of minerals that aid the process, and so a drop in levels makes it much more difficult.

What you can do: Lee recommends sugar-free gummies or probiotic lozenges, which “let the brain know you’re preparing for digestion, so your mouth produces saliva,” she says. There are also special toothpastes and mouthwashes you can talk to your pharmacist about (Lee recommends ThéraSouffle, PérioSciencesAnd Triology). For severe cases, your dentist may prescribe medications such as pilocarpine tablets to stimulate your salivary glands.

Burning mouth

What happens: If you notice tingling in your tongue, mouth, or gums, you may be suffering from burning mouth syndrome. More intense cases may cause a burning sensation or tingling and numbness. The culprit? You guessed it: decreased saliva levels. “Think of your mouth as a complex ecosystem, like a rainforest,” says Salierno. “There is a delicate balance between different strains of bacteria and fungi. When you change one major ingredient in this ecosystem, other elements have the opportunity to be unleashed.

What you can do: Treatments for burnt mouth essentially involve increasing saliva, so the same suggestions for dry mouth apply here. Talk to your dentist if you have symptoms.

Menopausal gingivostomatitis

What happens: This oral condition causes sore and inflamed gums. “Many women notice that their gums appear red, dark red, blue or purple and become very prone to bleeding,” says Lee. “It’s basically just inflammation of the gum tissue and the tissues of the mouth.”

What you can do: Consult your dentist. She may prescribe antibiotics or a therapeutic mouthwash, or have you drink salt water several times a day to soothe inflammation and irritation.

Tooth loss

What happens: On average, women lose 10 percent of their bone density during the first five years after their last period. And yoo-hoo, teeth are bones. “Periodontal disease can worsen or accelerate as jawbone density decreases,” says Salierno. “The main cause of periodontal disease is not the removal of plaque, tartar and bad bacteria. It is the causative agent of gum inflammation, bleeding, and ultimately loss of jaw attachment to the teeth.

What you can do: “If you brushed and flossed occasionally, this may have worked for you in your 20s or 30s,” says Salierno. “But with the effects of lower estrogen on your oral environment, you may start to see more damage.” That means more thorough brushing and, ugh, flossing at least once a day. “If you brush your teeth twice a day, you should also floss twice a day, because otherwise you’re only cleaning about two-thirds of the surface area of ​​your teeth,” says Lee. She recommends ditching toothpicks and using a piece of floss as long as your arm so that every tooth is cleaned with fresh floss. It’s best to floss and brush your teeth before a meal, or at least 30 minutes afterward, so that “the mouth has time to neutralize itself and you don’t damage the enamel.” (Another tip: If you have space between the roots of your teeth, double the floss so it’s thicker.) Water flossers are also good, as long as they’re used morning and night.

Lee points out that bacteria repopulates the mouth about every 90 days, so if you wait six months to see the hygienist, you have “about 90 days of potential infection that could cause a lot of damage to your teeth and the rest of your body “. body.” The bottom line: take yourself to the dentist.

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