Could your oral health be a key indicator of your overall well-being? According to a recent study in The Lancet Healthy Longevity,1 The condition of your mouth is closely related to your overall health and the aging process. Research shows that poor oral health is linked to serious conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and heart disease.2
In addition, when women go through different stages of life, hormonal changes have a significant impact on oral tissues, which can lead to gum disease and dry mouth, especially during menopause.3
That’s why maintaining good oral health isn’t just about your teeth and gums. It affects your physical strength and mental well-being. You may not know that taking care of your mouth can help prevent weakness and injury as you age.4
Whether you’re approaching menopause or dealing with challenges, being informed can help you make educated decisions about your oral care.
Women’s oral health: the key to overall well-being
Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life, from puberty to menopause, have a profound effect on oral tissues. Menopause in particular brings special challenges to oral health. At this stage, women experience hormonal changes that worsen oral health problems.
There is an increased risk of gum disease and dry mouth, which can lead to further complications if left untreated. Regular dental exams and comprehensive oral health evaluations with a biological dentist can help identify and manage these issues early.
Comprehensive oral health assessments are more than just checking for cavities or gum disease. It includes assessing the overall condition of your mouth, the number of remaining teeth, periodontal condition and masticatory function or chewing. These assessments help prevent frailty and disability by identifying problems before they occur. Oral health care tailored to address the unique needs of women is important at various stages of life.
Methods of diagnosing common oral health issues are generally effective, but must be adjusted to take into account the hormonal changes that women experience. Dentists need to be aware of the impact of menopause and other life stages on oral health and provide tailored advice and treatment. This approach ensures that women receive the care they need to maintain their oral health and overall well-being.
Oral health forms general aging and health
Beyond bad breath or cavities, poor oral health is linked to serious conditions like cancer and heart disease. To prevent these major health problems, it is important to take care of your teeth and gums.5
The Lancet Healthy Longevity Study also found that oral fatigue, which involves missing teeth or chewing, is associated with physical frailty and other health problems. If your mouth is not in good shape, it can cause difficulty in eating and swallowing, which can weaken your body over time. This deterioration increases the risk of falls and injuries, and may even shorten your life.
But how does poor oral health lead to these problems? Research shows that an imbalance in the bacteria in your mouth can cause chronic inflammation in your body. This constant inflammation weakens the immune system, making it difficult to fight diseases. In addition, malnutrition can further affect your health due to not being able to eat properly.6
Early intervention can help prevent or delay frailty and other related health problems, ensuring a better quality of life as you age.7
Tailoring oral health care to women’s unique needs.
Professor Lior Shapira, EuroPerio11 scientific chair, of European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) Congress in Periodontology and Dentistry suggests that women’s health includes special conditions that are often overlooked in general oral health discussions.8 Changes in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can make gums more susceptible to disease and worsen existing oral conditions.
Dr. Purnima Kumar, moderator of EuroPerio11, explains that many dental professionals are not trained to recognize and treat the effects of these hormonal changes on oral health. This lack of specialist knowledge means that women’s unique oral health needs are often not adequately met.
As noted in the EFP news release, life stages such as pregnancy and menopause require customized dental care tailored to each woman’s life stage. Despite the clear link, there is still a lack of awareness and research focused on women’s oral health.
To address this gap, the Europerio11 Scientific Committee emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing these gender-specific oral health issues. They advocate for personalized approaches to dentistry to effectively support women’s oral health at every stage of their lives.9
Menopausal transition, hormonal changes increase the risk of jawbone loss and gum disease.10 These hormonal changes reduce saliva production and cause dry mouth, making it easier for bacteria to grow and cause gum disease.
However, many women are unaware of how menopause affects their oral health. According to the 2024 Oral Health and Menopause Study by California Delta Dental & Associates, more than one-third of women 40 and older have noticed that their oral health declines as they age, unaware that these changes may be related to menopause.11 This lack of awareness means that many women do not seek the necessary dental care to quickly address these issues.
However, many women seek personal advice about maintaining their oral health during menopause. They are looking for specific guidelines on what steps to take to keep their mouths healthy as they age.12 Additionally, more training opportunities are needed for dental professionals. Better education for dentists can improve care for menopausal women, providing these women with the support they need to maintain oral health.
Oral discomfort is observed in menopausal women
Another study shows that many menopausal women have severe discomfort in the mouth. Common symptoms include dry mouth and a burning sensation in the mouth, which makes eating, speaking and general daily activities challenging.13
These discomforts are caused by the hormonal changes that occur during menopause. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly used to manage menopausal symptoms, it does not completely relieve oral discomfort for every woman.14
In addition, oral discomfort increases stress and anxiety. This increased stress in turn further reduces salivary flow, causing dry mouth and discomfort.15
Practical steps to improve your oral health
By following certain habits and practices, you can greatly reduce the risk of serious health problems associated with poor oral hygiene. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that your oral health contributes positively to your overall health.
1. Establishing a consistent oral hygiene regimen: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride-free toothpaste to prevent cavities. Make sure you brush for two minutes each time, covering all surfaces of your teeth and gently brushing along your gums. Don’t forget to brush your tongue daily to avoid bad breath and other oral health problems.
2. Regular dental checkups include: Schedule dental appointments every six months for professional cleanings and general checkups. Regular visits with a biological dentist can help identify and address problems before they develop into serious health problems, such as gum disease or infections. These tests are important to maintain oral and general health.
3. Practice a diet low in refined sugar and processed foods- Limit your intake of sugary snacks and drinks as they feed harmful bacteria in your mouth that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Choose foods rich in nutrients such as fruits and vegetables that support oral health. Including plenty of water in your daily diet will help wash away food particles and bacteria.
4. Choose supplements and nutrients for oral health: Consider taking supplements that promote oral health. A mouthwash, such as methylene blue, in concentrations of 0.5% to 1%, has been shown to kill harmful microorganisms that lead to periodontitis.16 Xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol, has been shown to reduce and even reverse early tooth decay.
You can easily use xylitol toothpastes, mouthwashes, oral tablets and chewing gum. Make sure the products you buy do not contain fluoride or triclosan as both are toxic. Also keep xylitol-containing products away from pets. It is especially toxic to dogs.
Also, inclusion Foods rich in collagenLike slow-cooked meats and bone broths, they help maintain the strength and integrity of your gums and teeth.
For extra care, try Oil pulling using coconut oil. Coconut oil is anti-bacterial and anti-viral, and oil absorption reduces gingivitis and plaque, significantly reduces the plaque index compared to the control group, and reduces bacterial colonization in saliva.17
In particular, researchers found that coconut oil suction and a chemical (chlorhexidine) mouthwash improved plaque scores, gingival index scores, and blood tests.18
To test it, take a small amount of the oil and swish it around your mouth, “pulling” it between your teeth and making sure to move it around your mouth. After 20 minutes, pour the oil into the garbage. You can use oil pulling daily along with regular brushing and flossing.
By following these steps, you are taking proactive steps to protect your oral health, which in turn supports your overall well-being. Taking care of your mouth today will lead to a healthier, more active life tomorrow.
Opt for biological dentistry
Biological dentists are trained to view and treat your oral health as an integral part of your overall health. They are also trained in how to safely dispose of mercury fillings. Ideally, find a biological dentist who can take care of all your dental needs, as they are less likely to perform procedures that cause problems later. You can find a mercury-free dentist using the resources below:
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Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions (DAMS). Email them over here Or call 651-644-4572 for an information package |
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International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) |
International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) |
