Women are at a higher risk for bone fractures when they enter menopause, but that’s not all…

According to a new study from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, postmenopausal women may also have a higher risk of gum disease. Researchers note that more studies are needed to confirm all of the connections. However, they did find a direct link between menopause and an increased risk of gum disease.

How Menopause Can Affect Your Oral Health

During menopause, estrogen levels decline. Lower estrogen levels can affect the mouth and cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can lead to gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it can eventually result in tooth loss.

What the Study Found

To better understand the connection between menopause and gum disease, researchers studied 191 women between the ages of 51 and 80. All of the participants had gone through menopause within the previous ten years. None of the women smoked or had taken hormone replacement therapy or other medications during the previous five years.

The researchers found that bone loss scores were the strongest indicator of gum disease. They also adjusted the results to account for factors such as weight, height, previous bone fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, smoking history, diabetes, and other health factors.

Protecting Your Smile During Menopause

Are you experiencing changes in your oral health during or after menopause? Regular dental checkups can help detect gum disease early and keep your smile healthy. Contact our team at Epic Dental today to schedule your next preventive dental visit and receive personalized care for every stage of life.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4195183/