Yes, there are definitely oral symptoms of menopause. I never knew that my premenopausal experience would come with sensitive gums, painful mouth sores, and dryness. Since then, I have tried to advocate for myself more during dental visits. Sometimes, dentists can also notice subtle oral health signs that menopause is approaching (or has already arrived).
Here, we explore the most common oral symptoms of menopause that your dentist may point out, why they occur, and how to alleviate them.
What Causes Oral Health Problems During Menopause?
Menopause, like all symptoms of this important life change, is caused by hormonal fluctuations as a person’s fertility declines. A May 2013 study found that when estrogen levels drop, dryness can occur, and not just the vaginal dryness you might expect. Australian Dental JournalOne.
“During menopause, your body’s estrogen levels drop, which reduces saliva production,” says Daniel Croley, DMD, dental director at Delta Dental and Affiliates in California. “Saliva is your mouth’s natural buffer. It cleanses your mouth, neutralizes acids, and protects against cavities and gum disease. A decrease in saliva can lead to increased cavities and changes in your sense of taste,” he adds.
Dental problems can occur at any time before or during menopause, but many people are unaware of the connection. A recent survey conducted by Delta Dental found that 84% of women over the age of 50 were unaware that discomfort in and around the mouth was often associated with menopause.
“Oral health impacts can occur at any time during the reproductive years,” explains Robin Noble, MD, FACOG, an obstetrician-gynecologist, Menopause Society-certified provider, and medical director of Intermed Ambulatory Surgery Center. “However, important “The effects are more common during menopause,” she added.
6 Oral Health Symptoms of Menopause
The effects of “menopausal mouth” can vary, and a person may experience more than one oral health problem. Here are six of the most common symptoms seen by doctors and dentists:
1. My mouth is dry
We've all experienced dry mouth at some point. It's often caused by mouth breathing, taking certain medications, or breathing a lot of dry air. But it's also a common menopause symptom.
A small study conducted in November 2018 estimated that nearly half of menopausal women had reduced saliva production compared to menstruating women. International Society and Journal of Preventive and Community Dentistry. And when saliva levels drop, you get xerostomia, or dry mouth. It's that annoying, disgusting feeling, like you've swallowed sand.
2. Symptoms of mouth burning
According to the Mayo Clinic, burning mouth syndrome is a medical term for a persistent burning sensation in the mouth (gums, tongue, lips, inside of the cheeks, etc.) without any apparent cause. However, especially during menopause, you may experience intense tingling, stinging, and pain in and around the mouth without any injury. In fact, according to one senior, up to 33% of menopausal women suffer from burning mouth syndrome. BMJ Clinical Evidence examine.
According to the Mayo Clinic, other possible secondary causes (other than menopause) of burning mouth syndrome include:
- dry mouth
- Nutrient deficiency
- allergic reaction
- certain drugs
- acid reflux
- Stress or anxiety
3. Cracked lips or stomatitis
According to an older study from 2010, MaturityMenopause is associated with a decline in immune function. Immune function is a major factor in oral health. A decline in the immune system often results in painful rashes in and around the mouth, including canker sores (I’ve definitely had a few, ouch!) or lip blisters. Other signs of oral blisters to watch for include:
- A burning sensation in the mouth
- sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Redness and swelling around the wound (lips, gums, or inside of cheek)
4. Bleeding gums
Menopause can also wreak havoc on your gums, making them swollen, tender, and more prone to bleeding and infection. According to Dr. Croley, hormonal changes make your gums more sensitive to irritants like plaque and bacteria, which increases your risk of periodontitis (gum disease) and cavities later in life.
Personally, I found that when I went to the dentist, even though I flossed and brushed consistently, the cleaning became more intense and painful. Expert Tip: Don't hesitate to tell your dental hygienist to be more calm or if you need a break during the cleaning process.
5. Dental problems
As estrogen levels decline, the risk of bone loss increases, including weakening of the bone in the jaw and teeth. According to the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, menopausal women with gum disease are at a double risk of their pearly whites being damaged or eroded. Even if you don’t have gum disease, you may experience more tooth sensitivity during menopause (especially when eating hot or cold foods).
6. Sensitivity and thinning of the lips
Finally, the lips are often affected by menopause. Kissers can become thinner, more sensitive, and more prone to infections and inflammatory conditions. According to a January 2022 review, this includes angular cheilitis, a condition in which the corners of the lips can become cracked and painful. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health5.
How to Treat Oral Health Problems Due to Menopause
Although annoying and often painful, there are effective and easy ways to treat, and sometimes prevent, oral symptoms of menopause. These include:
Maintain healthy dental care habits
Experts agree that maintaining healthy dental care habits during menopause is important to avoiding or alleviating menopausal oral symptoms. That means brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for checkups and cleanings. The bottom line is that what you learned about dental care in kindergarten still applies and is more important than ever!
“We were given this one set of adult teeth,” Dr. Noble said. “It’s really important for people to learn how to take care of their dental health at a young age.”
keep hydrated
Reduced saliva due to hormonal changes can cause plaque to build up and irritate your teeth and gums. Drink plenty of water between brushing and flossing, cut down on sugary or flavored drinks, and keep sugar-free gum on hand to prevent plaque from sticking to your teeth for too long.
Stock up on mouthwash and toothpaste
There are many over-the-counter (OTC) products specifically designed to address and treat oral sensitivity, including toothpaste and mouthwash. These are effective and relatively inexpensive ways to make a big difference in your oral care and comfort. Personally, I have had good results with Sensodyne toothpaste and an anti-inflammatory mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide to soothe my gums. However, your dentist may also recommend prescription-strength treatments, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen can also be effective in reducing overall pain in the gums and mouth, as can topical anesthetic gels and sprays (such as OraGel).
Try home remedies
Surprisingly, there may be other soothing options in your kitchen, too. According to the NHS, an old-fashioned salt-water rinse can do wonders for all kinds of mouth pain. Sucking on an ice cube can temporarily relieve a burning mouth, according to the Mayo Clinic, and applying clove oil directly to gums or mouth ulcers can reduce irritation, according to a comparative study from May-June 2014. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology.
Consider hormone therapy
If you have other menopause symptoms along with your mouth problems, it may be time to talk to your doctor about low-dose estradiol or other hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This may also help your teeth. Although research is limited, one older study from 1998 found that Summary of continuing education in dentistry Women who used HRT during menopause had a 24% lower risk of tooth loss than those who did not use it.
You and your doctor can decide whether it's right for you to try HRT, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
When to See a Dentist for Oral Health Problems During Menopause
If you are perimenopausal or menopausal and have dental problems such as swollen and sore gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, or tooth sensitivity, tell your dentist, OB/GYN, or primary care doctor. That way, the whole team can help determine if hormones are the cause or if there is another underlying health issue.
And if you have severe pain, swelling, or trauma to your teeth or gums, see your dentist as soon as possible, says Dr. Croley. A true emergency should never be postponed. Prompt dental treatment can help prevent permanent complications later.
“Menopause is a time to focus more on healthy habits and preventative care, and to empower women to make the healthiest choices for themselves with shared decision-making and guidance from a trusted provider,” says Dr. Noble.
Well+Good articles reference scientific, credible, and recent robust research to support the information we share. You can trust us on your wellness journey.
- Minicucci, E., Pires, R., Vieira, R., Miot, H., & Sposto, M. (2013). Evaluation of the impact of menopause on salivary flow and dry mouth. Australian Dental Journal, 58(2), 230-234. https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12057
- Rukmini, JN, et al. “The Effect of Menopause on Saliva and Dental Health.” Journal of the International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry vol. 8,6 (2018): 529-533. doi:10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_68_18
- Buchanan, John, and Joanna Zakrzewska. “The Burning Mouth Syndrome.” BMJ Clinical Evidence Volume 1301, 2008. March 14, 2008
- Gameiro, Cátia Morgado, et al. “Menopause and aging: changes in the immune system—a review.” Maturity Vol. 67.4(2010): 316-20. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.08.003
- Ciesielska, Aleksandra et al. “Oral changes in postmenopausal women—a narrative review.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health vol. 19,1 253. December 27, 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph19010253
- Kotiwal, Shaila V. et al. “Comparative study on the antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of herbal mouthwash containing tea tree oil, clove, and basil and commercial essential oil mouthwash.” Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology vol. 18,3 (2014): 316-20. doi:10.4103/0972-124X.134568
- Grodstein, F et al. “Tooth loss and hormone use in postmenopausal women.” Summary of continuing education in dentistry. (Jamesburg, NJ: 1995). Supplement ,22(1998): S9-16.
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