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

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

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

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 count on, in response to a Might 2013 research 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 in opposition to 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 latest survey performed by Delta Dental discovered 84 p.c of girls 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 through the reproductive years,” explains Robin Noble, MD, FACOG, a gynecologist, Menopause Society licensed supplier, and medical director at Intermed Ambulatory Surgical procedure Middle. “However vital 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 medical doctors and dentists:

1. Dry mouth

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

It’s estimated practically half of menopausal girls have decreased saliva circulation in comparison with these nonetheless getting a interval, in response to a small November 2018 research 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 nearly 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 folks can really feel intense stinging, tingling, and ache in and round their mouth with out an harm. In reality, as much as 33 p.c of individuals in menopause have burning mouth syndrome, in response to an older BMJ Scientific Proof evaluate.

Different potential secondary causes of burning mouth syndrome (apart from 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 keeping with an older 2010 research in Maturitas, menopause is related to suppressed immune perform—which is a main think about oral well being. A lagging immune system typically triggers painful eruptions in and across the mouth, together with canker sores (I’ve positively had a number 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 may wreak havoc in your gums, leaving them swollen, tender and extra vulnerable to bleeding and an infection. In keeping with Dr. Croley, hormonal adjustments could make gums extra delicate to irritants like plaque and micro organism, which will increase the chance of periodontitis (i.e., gum illness) and tooth decay down the street.

I’ve personally discovered cleanings at my dental checkups have develop 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 for those who want a break through the cleansing course of.

5. Tooth hassle

You are at a better threat of bone loss as your estrogen dips—together with the weakening of bones in your jaw and tooth. Individuals in menopause who even have gum illness are then hit with a double-whammy that will put their pearly whites susceptible to injury or decay, per the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Drugs. And even when you do not have gum illness, it’s possible you’ll expertise extra tooth sensitivity throughout menopause (particularly when consuming scorching or chilly meals).

6. Lip sensitivity and thinning

Final however definitely not least, your lips are sometimes affected by menopause, too. Your kisser can get thinner, extra delicate, and vulnerable to an infection or inflammatory situations. That features angular cheilitis—a situation the place the corners of the lips can develop into cracked and painful, in response to a January 2022 evaluate 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 possibly can deal with, and generally even forestall, menopause mouth signs. This consists of:

Retaining a wholesome dental routine

Consultants agree sustaining a wholesome dental routine throughout menopause is crucial to keep away from or mitigate menopause mouth signs. Which means 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 taking good care of 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 be taught at a younger age to care for 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 enough quantities of water, attempt to reduce down on sugary or flavored drinks, and think about maintaining 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 a giant distinction in your oral care and luxury. Personally, I’ve had good outcomes with Sensodyne toothpaste, and anti inflammatory mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide to assuage my gums. However your dentist can also advocate prescription-strength remedies, relying on the severity of signs.

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

Attempting residence treatments

Surprisingly sufficient, your kitchen may also supply different aid choices. An excellent, old school saltwater gargle works wonders for mouth soreness of all kinds, per the NHS. Sucking on some ice chips may briefly 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 research within the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology.

Contemplating hormone remedy

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

You and your physician will be capable to determine 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

If you happen to’re in perimenopause or menopause and begin to have dental points like swollen and sore gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, or tooth sensitivity, you will wish to flag them together with your dentist and your OB/GYN or primary-care physician. That method, your total group may also help decide if hormones are the offender, or one other underlying well being problem.

And for those who’ve received extreme ache, swelling, or trauma to your tooth or gums, get in to see your dentist as quickly as potential, says Dr. Croley. It is best to by no means postpone true emergencies. Fast dental care may also help forestall everlasting problems down the street.

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