Chewing difficulties, wobbly teeth and even tooth loss - a leading dentist has revealed the dental pitfalls menopausal women face when going through the change and how to avoid such issues. Dr Zayba Sheikh from dental practise Rüh Dental, says females need to be extra vigilant with their oral care if they suspect they are approaching or in the menopause.
By being aware of matters that can arise during this time of life, and keeping on top of good oral health care, women can swerve the potential problems in the first place. In the past 12 months, staff at the Manchester clinic have seen a steady uptake in women of menopausal age registering for their expert care.
This pivotal point, when a woman’s periods stop permanently and she is no longer able to bear children, usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but varies from woman to woman. “During the past year, we have noticed an upturn in female patients around menopausal age coming to us,” revealed Dr Sheikh.
“This is encouraging because recognition of the connection between menopause and dental health is clearly increasing steadily – but there is still a long way to go.”
Thanks to a host of celebrities, awareness of the menopause has never been higher. TV stars including Davina McCall, Lisa Snowdown, and Penny Lancaster have candidly spoken about their own experiences. “Menopause can affect the body in so many ways, but quite often matters of the mouth are still overlooked,” said Dr Sheikh.
“However, this can easily be swerved if a woman is aware of her oral health around this time of her life, has regular dental check-ups and has a dentist who understands her current condition.
“Night sweats, brain fog and hot flushes normally preoccupy the journey, and oral health is a forgotten topic when it should be a priority as well.
“One of the main issues during this time of a woman’s life is a drop in oestrogen levels which trigger numerous symptoms, including a dry mouth,” explained Dr Sheikh.
“And a dry mouth can bring a raft of issues, because germs will stick around for longer resulting in more bacteria lurking in teeth and gums.”
It’s this extra build-up of germs which increases the risk of gum disease and cavities. “When your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to wash away oral bacteria, germs can accumulate inside the mouth, raising the risk for gingivitis and tooth decay,” said Dr Sheikh.
Oestrogen dips also contribute towards a decline in bone mass, putting teeth at even further peril.
“A drop in oestrogen can affect the jawbone and bone density, raising the risk of loose teeth and even tooth loss.
“Gum disease is another factor as hormones plummet,” she added.
“It can cause gums to deteriorate which may result in bleeding, tenderness, mouth sores, receding gums, and bad breath.
“Gums that are under the strain of severe hormonal changes can also cause bite issues which can lead to pain when eating and chewing.”
So, what can be done to alleviate all the oral issues menopause brings?
“If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist,” advised Dr Sheikh.
“And it’s crucial you see you them regularly so they can monitor any changes. You may be referred for further tests if they suspect you are experiencing bone loss.”
Taking care of teeth by sticking to a strict routine of brushing and flossing is also vital, stresses Dr Sheikh.
“Avoid sweet and acidic foods that can have a negative impact on teeth, this includes alcohol which is full of sugar and contributes to a dry mouth,” she said.
“Quit smoking and vaping, too. Nicotine, the main component of vapes and cigarettes, restricts blood flow to your gums thus causing an increase in the risk of gum disease.
“When mixed with propylene glycol, formaldehyde and benzene (another chemical often found in vapes), this risk increases further still and could eventually lead to multiple tooth loss.”
Most important of all, Dr Sheikh stresses the importance of having an open and honest relationship with your dentist during this time.
“At Rüh, we pride ourselves on cultivating a personable relationship with all our patients, so if they are going through something such as the menopause, we can be with them every step of the way.”
