Hot Flashes in Your Mouth? Your Teeth are Going Through Menopause Too
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Perimenopause affects your oral health in surprising ways, creating symptoms like dry mouth, bleeding gums, and persistent bad breath due to changing estrogen levels in your body.
• Estrogen receptors exist throughout the body, including the mouth, affecting salivary glands, gum tissue, and jawbone
• Decreased estrogen can cause dry mouth, bleeding gums despite good hygiene, and unexplained bad breath
• Symptoms often start during perimenopause but become more consistent and noticeable after menopause
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help improve oral health symptoms for some women
• Regular dental visits with x-rays are crucial to detect early bone loss and gum changes
• Using fluoride toothpaste, xylitol products, and pH-balancing mouth rinses can help manage symptoms
• Carry Free mouth rinse combines fluoride, xylitol and pH elevators to combat bacteria and increase saliva flow
• Many dentists may not connect oral symptoms to perimenopause, so patients should initiate the conversation
• Supporting oral health includes eating well and taking supplements like calcium and vitamin D
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Chapters
1. Welcome to The Pause Podcast (00:00:00)
2. Perimenopause and Your Mouth (00:00:58)
3. How Hormones Affect Oral Health (00:02:52)
4. Key Symptoms to Watch For (00:04:40)
5. Can HRT Help Your Oral Health? (00:07:56)
6. Dental Care Recommendations for Perimenopause (00:08:48)
7. Closing Thoughts and Support (00:12:57)
19 episodes