MENOPAUSE means hot flushes, sweats and mood swings - but did you know it hits your mouth as hard as your body?
Fluctuating hormones before, during and after menopause can cause oral health problems.
rt healthy teeth dentist Dr Karlien Roper offers the following advice:
Dehydration
Dry mouth, bad breath, tooth decay, gum problems, altered taste perception and a burning tongue are all signs of dehydration.
Oestrogen helps to control fluid regulation. The body's ability to conserve water also naturally declines with age.
Women can combat dehydration and all its problems by drinking plenty of water and eating watery foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
Drinking water after a meal also helps to cleanse the mouth and chewing gum helps trigger saliva.
Gums
Gum problems are more common after menopause, affecting 60 per cent of women.
Signs of gum disease include:
- Sensitive, soft or swollen gums
- Receding gums
- A change in colour of the gums
- Gum pain
- Bleeding gums
Gum disease is caused by the build-up of bacteria between gums. This can cause inflammation and bleeding, known as gingivitis.
While gingivitis is not a serious condition, it can progress to periodontitis, a deeper infection that can result in tooth loss.
The bacteria from infected gums can also pass into the blood stream and cause heart problems.
Keeping gums clean can assist in preventing problems.
Hormones and bones
The jawbone can be affected by osteoporosis just like other bones.
The likelihood of developing osteoporosis increases after menopause because oestrogen blocks the enzyme that causes bone breakdown.
To promote healthy bones, women should make sure they get enough calcium and vitamin D.
Foods such as broccoli, cheese and tofu are good sources of calcium.
Doctors may also prescribe treatment to rebalance hormone levels in cases of severe bone loss.
Wear and tear on your teeth comes with age, so protecting your teeth is vital.
Twice-daily brushing and flossing are great home maintenance habits, but seeing your dentist regularly for a professional clean and check-up are also vital.
