Menopause -- Numerous oral changes can occur as a
consequence of advanced age, the medicines taken to combat
diseases, and hormonal changes due to menopause. These oral changes
can include altered taste, a burning sensation in the mouth, and
greater sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, and
decreased salivary flow that can result in dry mouth.
Dry mouth, in turn, can result in the development of periodontal
disease because saliva is not available to moisten and cleanse the
mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque. Dry mouth can also
result from many prescription and over-the-counter medicines that
are commonly prescribed to older adults.
The decline in estrogen that occurs with menopause also puts
women at greater risk for loss of bone density. Loss of bone,
specifically in the jaw, can lead to tooth loss. Receding gums can
be a sign of bone loss in the jawbone. Receding gums also expose
more of the tooth surface to potential tooth decay.
What can I do to prevent the development of periodontal
disease?
Following these tips will help:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste
containing fluoride. Floss at least once a day.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a professional oral
examination and cleaning.
- Eat a well balanced diet.
- Avoid sugary or starchy snacks.
- Ask your dentist if he or she thinks you should use an
antimicrobial mouth rinse.
- If you have dry mouth, ask your dentist about treatments for
this condition, such as artificial saliva.
Because more women than men experience temporomandibular
disorders (TMDs), is there a hormonal connection to this
problem?
According to research published in The
Journal of the American Dental Association, the answer is no.
Researchers of one study did not find any connection between women
on birth control pills or older women taking estrogen replacement
and the risk of developing temporomandibular disorders. Any link is
merely coincidental, the researchers stated, adding that the
demographic information was the only common factor -in other
words, women who aggressively sought treatment for TMDs were also
the same type of women who requested birth control pills and
estrogen replacement therapy.