Menopause, be aware it has an important impact on your
dental health.
The menopause is a very important stage in a woman's life.
It can be a very slow process beginning with perimenopause which is when a
woman first begins to experience climatic symptoms and ultimately culminates
with the end of menstruation,
During menopause there is a severe decrease in the levels of
oestrogen and progesterone. This change and imbalance as well known can cause a
variety of symptoms, including mood swings, hot flushes, night sweats and
irritability. This low level of hormones can also play a large part in the
onset of osteoporosis.Most of the above is well documented and information
readily available for women
Far less is known about the effect menopause is having on
your dental health. The changes in oestrogen can affect the joints in the
mouth, salivary glands as well as taste buds. Changes in your salivary function
can cause the mucous membranes in your mouth to become less moist and often
leave menopausal women with a persistent dry mouth or burning sensation,
sometimes alongside a bitter taste and bad breath.
During the menopause the changes also increase likelihood of
dental caries (decay), lichen planus and plaque, which is then responsible for
initiating gingivitis, there by providing a contributing factor for
periodontitis in menopause.
As professionals we are very aware the menopause can be a
delicate subject to many women. We therefore try to be sensitive whilst at the
same time, keeping our patients informed and supported, enabling them to manage
and maintain their dental health. We have a variety of solutions to offer those
suffering with a dry mouth and bad breath and work with you to keep
plaque levels to an absolute minimum. Our aim always being to make our patients
aware, and keep them healthy and happy
No comments:
Post a Comment