Menopause and Your Mouth: The Tooth Loss Crisis Nobody Discusses

You've read about hot flushes. You know about mood changes. Nobody warned you about what's happening in your mouth. Menopause is quietly destroying teeth across the country, and most women only discover it after the damage is done.

Oestrogen protected your mouth. You didn't know it was doing that until it stopped. Oestrogen helps maintain bone density in your jaw – the foundation that holds your teeth. It supports gum tissue health. It influences saliva production. When oestrogen drops, your mouth pays the price.

Here's what happens. Bone density decreases, and your jaw is bone. Teeth become loose in sockets that are literally shrinking. Gum recession accelerates – those roots become exposed for the first time in your life. Dry mouth becomes constant, removing your natural protection against decay.

The burning mouth nobody mentions. Up to 40% of menopausal women experience burning mouth syndrome – a chronic, unexplained burning sensation on the tongue and gums. Doctors often miss it. Dentists sometimes dismiss it. It's real, it's linked to hormonal changes, and it's miserable.

Dry mouth is the silent destroyer. Saliva neutralizes acid, washes away food, fights bacteria, and repairs early decay. Without enough of it, cavities appear in places you've never had them. Women who never had dental problems suddenly need fillings in every tooth.

The statistics are alarming. Women over 50 have higher rates of tooth loss than men the same age. Postmenopausal women are more likely to have gum disease. Osteoporosis in the spine often means osteoporosis in the jaw. Every year after menopause without intervention increases your risk.

Hormone replacement therapy can help. Women on HRT have better oral bone density and less tooth loss. That's not a reason to take HRT – but if you're already on it, know that it's protecting your mouth too.

What you can do right now. Address dry mouth aggressively – sip water constantly, use dry mouth rinses, consider saliva substitutes. Get serious about gum care – floss daily, use an antibacterial rinse. Increase your dental visits to every four months instead of six.

Talk to your dentist about what's happening. Most won't make the menopause connection unless you tell them. Your hormones have changed – your dental care should change too.

Protect the smile you've had for decades. Book your post-menopause assessment at Smilez Dental Surgery. Call us on 013 692 8249. Because menopause takes enough – it doesn't have to take your teeth.