There are about 36 million women in the United States that are in their postmenopausal phase of life. The majority of them experience spontaneous cessation of menses between the ages of 47 and 55 years. That is when the production of estrogen decrease because of inadequate numbers of functioning follicles within their ovaries.
These physiological changes correlated with natural or surgical menopause can cause some women to experience uncomfortable signs like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
A significant change in a woman’s body during menopause is their susceptibility to gum problems. Estrogen deprivation disproportionately increases the risks of dental health problems. The hormonal irregularities cause saliva production to decrease, which is needed to clean and flush bacteria from our mouth.
In most cases, women may also experience problems like burning mouth syndrome, mouth dryness, alterations in salty, peppery or sour tastes, the loss of proper dental support due to osteoporosis, sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks, bad breath, bleeding gums or even menopausal gingivostomatitis.
Eating disorders could also arise during this cycle. Psychological distress associated with menopause can lead to an odd diet including intentional vomiting that could cause injury to the mouth, as well as erosion of tooth enamel.
That is why it is important for your dentist in Newport Beach to make women understand the link between menopause and oral health as this will also put them at a higher risk for serious complications like heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and oral cancer.
Here are some tips that could help or fight gum disease during menopause: http://www.dentist-newport-beach.com/dental-health-risks-that-come-with-menopause/
