Women are amazing beings. They have the ability to grow new life, bring that life into the world, and then provide the nutrients that new life needs to survive. Along with the amazing things that women are able to do, there is one thing that can be troubling for women as they age—hormonal changes. Women have the joy of experiencing numerous hormonal changes over their lifetime, from the time of puberty, through pregnancy and breastfeeding, and finally menopause. While the body is going through many changes, one area of the body that might be overlooked during this time is the mouth.
Importance of Oral Health
An estimated 1.3 million women experience menopause each year. During this time, the female body produces less estrogen and progesterone, leading to many changes. Changes that you might experience can range in anything from hot flashes, changes in sleep or energy levels, and even changes in your oral health. You might be surprised to learn that these changes occur in more than just your body. They occur in your oral health as well.
It is not uncommon for women to experience gum disease during menopause. One symptom of menopause that is linked to gum disease is dry mouth. Saliva aides in ridding the mouth of bacteria. When saliva is lacking due to dry mouth, bacteria becomes abundant in the mouth and the risk for gum disease rises. The risk of osteoporosis also increases during this time. Reduced bone density can greatly affect oral health. The jawbone can begin to deteriorate, causing the teeth to become loose and eventually falling out.
Ways to Keep Your Body and Oral Health Strong
Menopause is inevitable for all women. However, it doesn’t have to lead to complications in your oral health and your body. There are a number of steps that women can take to stay strong and healthy:
- Visit our office regularly
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy, balanced diet full of calcium and vitamin D
- Limit your intake of alcohol
- Avoid nicotine and vaping
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of menopause or other hormonal changes such as with pregnancy, we encourage you to schedule a hygiene examination at our office. We want to ensure that you are not experiencing any issues with your oral health. We look forward to seeing you in our Brunswick, GA office soon.
