Are Dentures Difficult to Get Used To?
Dentures are a convenient and effective way to replace one or more missing teeth. Getting used to dentures may take some time. Here’s what you need to know about the process.
How Menopause Impacts Your Oral Health
About two million American women begin their transition through menopause annually, marking a period of significant physiological change. Though symptoms like hot flashes and bone loss are frequently discussed, the effects of this hormonal upheaval on oral health are equally critical, if rarely spotlighted.
The expert dental team at Union Square Dental in the Flatiron neighborhood of New York City aims to educate patients on preventive healthcare at every stage of life. Here’s what they want you to know about how menopause can impact your dental health.
Vulnerability to gum disease and tooth decay
About 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, with 40 million missing all their teeth, primarily due to gum disease and tooth decay.
These conditions are exacerbated by bacteria, which find a more conducive environment in your mouth post-menopause because of hormonal imbalances. This susceptibility can lead to dental caries and periodontitis, which, left unchecked, can cause extensive damage and result in tooth loss.
The link between menopause and bone loss
Osteoporosis, which affects half of all postmenopausal women, is characterized by a decrease in bone density and a heightened risk of fractures. From a dental perspective, this reduction in bone mass can directly impact the jawbone, threatening the stability and health of your teeth and potentially leading to tooth loss.
Dry mouth issues
During menopause, many women experience a reduction in saliva production, leading to dry mouth. This condition affects about 39% of menopausal women and can complicate oral health by increasing the risk of tooth decay and causing persistent bad breath.
Additional oral changes during menopause
Menopause can also bring about other changes in oral health, including:
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A burning sensation in the mouth
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Increased tooth sensitivity
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Shifting of teeth
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Receding gums
Moreover, some women report a change in their sense of taste, which can be attributed to the hormonal changes occurring during menopause.
Safeguarding your dental health after menopause
Although menopause is an inevitable phase of life, the associated oral health issues don’t need to be. At Union Square Dental, we aim to help you preemptively manage these changes. Maintaining regular dental check-ups is critical.
We recommend biannual cleaning and dental exams to maintain oral hygiene and detect any emerging issues early. These visits allow our dental team to monitor changes and trends, allowing us to address minor problems swiftly before they escalate into significant concerns.
Menopause should be a time of careful attention to health; oral health is no exception. Stay ahead of menopausal changes through proactive dental care and regular check-ups.
Your dental health is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way through menopause and beyond. Book an appointment with the pros at Union Square Dental for all your dental care needs. Call or click to book your appointment at Union Square Dental in Flatiron, New York City, today.
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