Perimenopause and menopause are a transition into a new phase of life. It begins when the menstrual cycle finishes. This leads to decreased oestrogen levels in the woman’s body. Fluctuating and depleting levels of oestrogen can cause a number of gum and dental problems including gingivitis, gum line recession, bleeding, burning tongue, dry mouth, and weakening teeth.
Bruxism
Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, causes worn, flattened, fractured or chipped teeth, worn tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, and chronic pain. If this is a problem you face, be sure to drop by this renowned Dentist in Orlando for treatment.
Stress on teeth
Menopause causes a lot of stress on a person. There’s a collision of many emotional challenges in your life; children growing up and moving away, aging parents, changing nature of marriages, weight and energy drain, and many more. All these causes one a lot of stress that will likely show on your jaw.
When there is stress on your jaw, they will clench, grind, and gnash causing pressure on your back teeth. The molars will start to fall inward due to the brunt of the force. In turn, your teeth will shift and you will lose bone, making your gums recede.
This happens a lot more when you sleep. Because of the increasing pressures on your teeth, your lower front teeth are the first to shift. When you’re grinding or chewing, the lower teeth will hit your upper front teeth which in turn start to wear away.
Oestrogen Levels on Teeth
According to the Australian Dental Association, when your oestrogen levels decrease, your mouth, gets drier. And when your mouth is dry, bacteria can grow, causing tooth decay and making your gums bleed. This is why you need to drink lots of fluids and practice good dental hygiene.
Dental Solutions during Menopause
Practice good oral hygiene
Most dentists insist on flossing. It is known that flossing will pull out tartar and plaque that brushing your teeth will not. Also, most people don’t brush their teeth effectively. You should invest in a battery-powered or electronic toothbrush. They have been shown to stop the development of gingivitis, a precursor to gum disease.
Dentist Check-ups
Prevention is always better than cure! You should make regular visits to the dentist. If you notice persistent bleeding, this could be a sign of gum disease, so speak to your dentist. As gums recede, there’s a larger area where food particles can get stuck. In turn, more plaque forms and the rate of decay can increase.
Avoid Caffeine
It can worsen estrogen imbalances in your body, making menopausal symptoms worse. On top of that, that extra bit of sugar you might have with your coffee can damage or rot your teeth.
Avoid stress.
Stress has horrible effects on your oral hygiene. Grinding or clenching your teeth is a subconscious reaction to stress. Increased levels of stress have also been linked to canker and cold sores, as well as higher levels of plaque along the gum line.
Vitamins
vitamin C is important for teeth tissue and bone renewal, and vitamin D is important to reduce inflammation in gums.
Conclusion
If you have restorations like fillings, veneers, or crowns, have them checked periodically. Take vitamin supplements to avoid inflammation and tooth decay. Get a nightguard to avoid clenching or grinding their teeth when you have stress especially when sleeping. Coconut Oil Pulling is a very effective way of detoxifying your mouth. Other unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause are managed with hormone therapy.
