Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and affiliates
Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania and affiliates
Just like the rest of your body goes through changes during menopause, your teeth can experience some shifts, too. Yet, a shocking 84% of women 50+ don’t know how menopause affects their oral health.
It’s time we started talking about it, and Delta Dental is leading the charge. By understanding the link between menopause and oral health, we can keep our smiles healthy and bright.
Unlocking the hidden impact of menopause on oral health
Menopause is a natural process that occurs when a woman’s menstrual cycles come to an end, typically around the age of 50. While most of us are familiar with the more common symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and night sweats, the effects on oral health are often less discussed.
Learn more about our findings from our most recent 2024 Senior Oral Health and Menopause Survey:
Interestingly, 79% of women aged 50 and older say they have noticed changes in the appearance of their teeth and gums as they’ve aged. Despite this, a staggering 70% of women in this age group report regretting not taking better care of their oral health earlier in life. Let’s change that.
How does menopause affect teeth and gums?
Our teeth and gums inevitably change as we get older, but women in particular experience aging differently as a result of the hormonal changes that happen during this stage. As estrogen levels drop, a few things start to shift in your mouth.
Dry mouth
1 in 3 women over 50 report experiencing dry mouth. Reduced estrogen levels can lead to a decrease in saliva production, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral infections.
Gum disease
87% of women didn’t know about the link between menopause and gum disease. However, regular dental check-ups and addressing symptoms early can help prevent the progression.
Jawbone density
The drop in estrogen can weaken bones, including the jaw. Many women — a whopping 87% — are unaware of this change, which can lead to tooth loss and other complications. Regular dental check-ups and a diet rich in calcium can help.
Tooth loss
The combined effects of gum disease and reduced jawbone density can increase the risk of tooth loss.
Tooth decay
Menopausal hormonal changes can make teeth more susceptible to decay due to reduced saliva and increased gum disease risk. Since saliva helps protect your teeth and gums, the likelihood of cavities may increase.
Receding gumline
There’s also a link between menopause and gums. 1 in 3 women over 50 reported noticing their gumlines receding, exposing more of the tooth and its roots. These gaps or “pockets” accumulate bacteria, which can lead to increased sensitivity.
Lack of information about menopause and dental health
Arming women with the right knowledge about menopause, oral health, and oral care is an important part of promoting healthy aging and helping women make the best decisions for their oral health. However, finding information on this topic isn’t always easy.
The challenge in finding good information
Many women over 50 face difficulties in accessing reliable information about menopause and its impact on oral health. With so little out there, many women are turning to Google just as often as they are to their healthcare providers to get the answers they need, showing a real gap in the information being provided by professionals.
27% struggle to find resources about menopause and oral health
84% think there should be more information available
The impact of awareness
When women do get the information they need, it makes a big difference. After learning more about how menopause can impact their teeth and gums:
77% of women said they would make it a priority to schedule a dental visit
54% planned to spend more time on their oral care routine
Additional resources about menopause and oral health
At Delta Dental, we’re committed to helping women embrace life’s next chapter. Check out these resources and empower yourself with the tools you need to navigate menopause confidently. We also invite you to review Delta Dental’s 2023 Senior Oral Health and Menopause Survey, which revealed that 70% of women 50 and older experience oral health symptoms they don’t realize relate to menopause, making dentists a prime, untapped resource for women navigating it.
How to talk to your dentist about menopause (with email template)
This resource provides practical advice on how to have an open conversation with your dentist about menopause and oral health. It even includes an email template to help you get started.
Perimenopause and oral health
This article explains how the transitional stage of perimenopause can impact your oral health. It’s a great resource for understanding what to expect as you approach menopause and how to maintain your dental health.
Postmenopause and oral health
Your oral health needs may continue to evolve after menopause. This resource discusses the ongoing effects of reduced estrogen levels on teeth and gums and offers tips for maintaining good oral hygiene as you age.
Methodology: Delta Dental commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 1,061 U.S. women over ages 50 and older. The margin of error of the sample is +/-3 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between July 24 and July 31, 2023. Atomik Research is a creative market research agency.