Does Menopause Affect Gum Disease?
March 20, 2019
Recent studies show that fifty percent of American adults over the age of 30 have some type of periodontal disease. Of that fifty percent, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that eight percent have severe periodontists, 30 percent have a moderate form of the disease and 8 percent have a mild form of it. So often gum disease goes undetected until it is too bad to reverse. It’s important that all of Dr. Ahn’s patients know what can affect oral health and put their gums at risk.
The Signs of Menopause
The end of female fertility is known as menopause and usually hits women around 50 years old. While it’s a normal part of aging, there are some hormonal fluctuations that can cause problems with the mouth. Some of the common symptoms of menopause that are noticed in the mouth are:
- Gums appear pale, dry or shiny and bleed easily because of mucous changes
- Decrease in estrogen can cause a dry mouth
- Intense pain because of burning mouth syndrome that affects the palate, lips, tongue and denture support areas
- Bone loss in the mouth can be tied back to osteoporosis
- Mental stress can cause improper eating habits and lead to eating disorders that erode the tooth enamel and cause other damage to the teeth and gums
Every woman is different and there is no way to predict how menopause will affect your body and your mouth. You may notice several of these symptoms or you could be one of the lucky ones that escapes with no problems related to gum disease. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, it’s important that any issues with your gums are treated quickly.
Schedule an Appointment
If it’s been a while since you’ve had a check-up, or you are nearing menopause age, schedule an appointment with Dr. Brand Ahn in Larkspur, CA, to discuss the best ways to head it off. Early detection and treatment may save your gums.