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Conversations about menopause often circulate around the same symptoms like hot flashes and headaches. But did you know that it also affects oral health?
If you answered no, you aren’t alone: Nearly 50% of respondents in a newly published survey from insurer Delta Dental didn’t know either.
The Oral Health and Menopause survey, published on September 9, found that 48% of women over 40 didn’t know there was a connection between menopause, oral health, and heart health.
A decline in estrogen levels can make salivary glands produce less saliva, which in turn can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral infections, according to Delta Dental. Lower estrogen levels can also weaken bones in the jaw and lead to tooth loss.
The study found that 35% of women over 40 reported “a decline in their oral health,” but only 18% of respondents have spoken with a dental professional about the impact menopause can have on their oral health.
Still, 93% of respondents said that it would be helpful if they received more advice on how they can manage oral health, and 83% of dentists reported that patient education “would lead to better oral health outcomes.”
“Dentists are in a prime position to help identify the broader health needs of menopausal patients, beyond just the oral conditions they diagnose,” Daniel Croley, chief dental officer at Delta Dental, said in a press release. “Integrating oral health care with a broader understanding of menopause can make a significant difference.”