With Menopause Day on 18 October, dental professionals are being encouraged to ask patients about dry mouth, a symptom of the menopause that is easy to overlook and that can have a significant impact on oral health.
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is one of the many symptoms associated with the perimenopause and menopause. Because it can leave patients feeling constantly parched and uncomfortable, the dental team may be well placed to spot it early and offer practical advice.
Miranda Pascucci, Head of Clinical Education and Dental Therapist at oral health brand TePe, said: “Previous studies have suggested more than one in four (28%) post-menopausal women are likely to suffer from tooth loss within five years. During the perimenopause and menopause, the decrease in oestrogen and progesterone levels in the body can make gums more sensitive and reduce the production of saliva, triggering symptoms such as dry mouth.”
Why saliva matters
“Saliva has a very important role to play in oral hygiene as it helps to cleanse the mouth from bacteria, preventing plaque from building up on and around the teeth. With less saliva, teeth become more vulnerable to cavities and the mouth can become sensitive and susceptible to infection.”
Signs to look out for in the chair
“During the menopausal transition, some people may experience changes in their gum health, including increased sensitivity, redness, bleeding or recession. These changes are not specific to menopause and should be assessed by a dental professional.”
Miranda adds: “Other oral symptoms associated with menopause can include burning sensations in the mouth, altered taste, increased tooth sensitivity, mouth soreness, and bad breath linked to dry mouth.”
Supporting patients with a robust routine
Miranda says regular dental appointments are key: “To manage symptoms, regular visits to the dentist are essential, as a dental practitioner will be able to offer advice to any patients experiencing difficulties. A robust oral health routine is also essential, and I’d recommend:
- Cleaning between the gaps in the teeth at least once a day. Traditional toothbrushing cleans only up to 60% of the tooth surfaces: the top, front and back. However, most dental disease starts between the teeth where food and plaque accumulate. I recommend the three-minute rule: two minutes of regular brushing, followed by one minute of cleaning between the teeth with floss or a TePe Interdental Brush, to ensure a whole mouth clean.
- Brushing teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Always going to bed with clean teeth – the production of saliva is reduced at night, which lowers the saliva’s capacity to protect the teeth.
- Replacing your toothbrush or toothbrush head at least every three months.
- Using a tongue cleaner to remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue.
- Choosing an alcohol-free mouthwash such as TePe Hydrating Mouthwash or a gel such as TePe Hydrating Gel to reduce symptoms of dry mouth.”
