During menopause, women often endure hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue and moodiness. Once they become ‘post-menopausal,’ however, these symptoms often dissipate while different ones arise. When it comes to your smile, being post-menopausal places you at higher risk for tooth loss.
Research has shown that a decline in estrogen levels, particularly in the first ten years of being post-menopausal, contributes to bone loss. Recent studies now indicate that bone loss in postmenopausal women can be accompanied by a higher risk of gum disease.
One study, published by the National Institutes of Health, determined that post-menopausal females experiencing osteoporosis had a high percentage of periodontal disease compared to postmenopausal women who did not show signs of osteoporosis.
Risk for gum disease increases in conjunction with osteoporosis, according to research.
Other oral health repercussions of post-menopausal women may include a reduction of saliva, increased dental caries and taste alterations.
Estrogen deprivation due to menopause also increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. While hormone replacement therapy is occasionally prescribed by physicians to alleviate symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency, replacing estrogen (or estrogen and progestin) may also help to prevent some of the chronic illnesses common to postmenopausal women.
While your oral health is our emphasis, your whole health is also a concern. For those who develop particular risk factors due to age or changes in overall health, we will make recommendations to help you avoid problems at regular care visits. Or, should problems arise, early care is the best way to save time and money – and avoid more complex problems from developing as a result.
Let us help your oral health and physical health work together for your overall good! Call 586-739-2155 to arrange an examination to get your smile in great shape!
