Menopause is a time of change, and for some women, they can experience symptoms they didn’t quite expect. One of the lesser-known symptoms of menopause is a sore or dry mouth. Having a dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay and other issues. Vhi Chief Dental Officer, Dr Gina Kilfeather, helps us to understand the connection between menopause and oral health, and shares some tips to manage symptoms.

Two of the main impacts menopause can have on women’s oral health are dry mouth and bone loss (our jawbones support our teeth). Both are due to changes in women’s hormone levels, such as a decrease in oestrogen. It’s thought that hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, can play a role in improving the oral health of menopausal women. For example, oestrogen replacements may help reduce the risk of tooth loss and help strengthen the bone structures that support the teeth.

Aside from HRT, there are other things you can do to alleviate the risk of bone loss and the symptoms of dry mouth:

Dry mouth

Saliva naturally protects our teeth by washing away bits of food and preventing a prolonged acid attack (from the food) on our enamel. During menopause, your body produces less oestrogen and progesterone, which can affect your body’s saliva production, increasing your risk of a dry mouth. This in turn allows bacteria to accumulate inside your mouth and heighten your risk of gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.

Tips to relieve dry mouth:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Avoid caffeinated beverages as much as possible.
• Chew sugar-free gum.
• Use an over-the-counter dry mouth spray.

Be sure to visit your dentist twice a year and talk to them about any oral health symptoms you’re currently having in menopause or to make a plan in case you do experience some symptoms down the line.

Bone loss

During menopause, hormone changes can impact your bone health, oral health and increase your risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes you three times more likely to experience tooth loss and bone loss (including in your jaw), leading to a heightened risk of gum disease. Signs of bone loss in your jaw can be something as simple as receding gums. When your gums recede, more of your tooth is exposed. As a result, your gums can no longer protect the teeth as well as they used to. This can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease unless it’s treated quickly.

Tips to help reduce your risk of bone loss:

• Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet to support bone health. Calcium sources include milk, cheese, green leafy vegetables, nuts and anything made with fortified flour. For vitamin D, work things like oily fish, red meat, liver, egg yolks and supplements into your diet.
• Avoid smoking and watch your alcohol intake as both can negatively impact your teeth and gum health.
• Do weight-bearing exercises such as running and walking, or resistance training (resistance training involves pushing or pulling against the resistance of an object or your own body). This kind of regular exercise can combat a decline in bone density.

If you’ve started experiencing oral health symptoms due to menopause, there’s no need to worry. Just reach out to your dentist for guidance and they’ll provide the best treatment options for you.

This content is for information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your GP or an appropriate medical professional if you have concerns about your health, or before commencing a new healthcare regime. If you believe that you are experiencing a medical emergency call 999 / 112 or seek emergency assistance immediately.