One of those things?
Experts in This Article
chief dental officer atDelta Dental of California and Affiliates.
gynecologist,Menopause Societycertified provider, and medical director atIntermed Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Yep, menopause mouth symptoms are definitely a thing.
Since their onset, Ive tried to self-advocate much more while Im in the dentists chair.
What causes oral health issues during menopause?
chief dental officer atDelta Dental of California and Affiliates.
Less saliva can lead to increased tooth decay and altered taste, he adds.
Butsignificantimpacts are more typical in menopause, she adds.
Here are six of the symptoms most seen by doctors and dentists:
1.
Dry mouth
Weve likely all had a bout ofdry mouthat one point or another.
It often stems frombreathing through your mouth, taking certain medications, or inhaling lots of dry air.
But its also a common menopause symptom.
And as those saliva levels drop, xerostomia, or dry mouth, sets in.
Its an annoying, icky feeling thats almost like youve swallowed sand.
without an obvious cause, per theMayo Clinic.
chief dental officer atDelta Dental of California and Affiliates.
Lip sensitivity and thinning
Last but certainly not least, your lips are often affected by menopause, too.
Your kisser can get thinner, more sensitive, and prone to infection or inflammatory conditions.
That means brushing and flossing on the regular and getting in to see your dentist for checkups and cleanings.
Weve been given this one set of adult teeth, says Dr. Noble.
Its so important that people learn at a young age to take care of their dental health.
These are effective and relatively inexpensive ways to make a big difference in your oral care and comfort.
Personally, Ive had good results withSensodyne toothpaste, and anti-inflammatory mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide to soothe my gums.
But your dentist may also recommend prescription-strength treatments, depending on the severity of symptoms.
Trying home remedies
Surprisingly enough, your kitchen might also offer other relief options.
A good, old-fashioned saltwater gargle works wonders for mouth soreness of all sorts, per theNHS.
It may just help out your teeth, too.
You should never put off true emergencies.
Quick dental care can help prevent permanent complications down the road.
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