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Menopause and oral health

Just like the rest of your body goes through changes during menopause, your teeth can experience some shifts too.

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 conversation. By understanding the link between menopause and oral health, women can help improve their oral and overall health.

  • Breaking the silence and barriers, all at once

    Menopause isn’t just about mood swings and hot flashes. Dry mouth, receding gum line, tooth decay, a tingling feeling in the mouth may all be signs you’re nearing or experiencing menopause. 

    Delta Dental is helping spotlight the oral health-menopause connection in the documentary, “The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause,” which premiered on PBS in October 2024. Watch this special edit of the film for a perspective on how menopause impacts women’s oral health.

  • Menopause and the mouth:
    connecting the dots

    Delta Dental is dedicated to expanding access to quality oral care and supporting overall health. Improving education and driving lasting policy changes to address systemic health care-related issues is a key priority for us.



    Why menopause? To quote Sarah Chavarria, CEO Delta Dental, “At Delta Dental, we believe that the impact of menopause on oral health should be an integral part of the broader dialogue, helping women maintain their well-being and holistic health during this life milestone."

  • Our 2023 Menopause Survey helped unlock menopause’s hidden impact by breaking the stigma surrounding the topic. 

    Our 2024 Menopause Survey gave a voice to the often silent symptoms of women going through menopause. The goal is to start conversations on the topic and help them take charge of their oral and overall health during this crucial phase. 

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 change 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.

  • Reduced 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.

Source: 2023 Menopause Survey

There's a 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. However, finding information on this topic isn’t always easy.
 

The challenge with finding good information

Many women over 50 run into roadblocks accessing reliable information about menopause and its impact on oral health. With so little out there, many women are turning to the internet just as often as they are to their health care 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.

  • 54% planned to spend more time on their oral care routine after learning about the connection.

Source: 2023 Menopause Survey

Importance of talking to your dentist

Open conversations about menopause and its connection to oral care can empower women to better manage their health. They can be more proactive in their care, making informed decisions about their oral hygiene routines and seeking professional help when needed. Discussing menopause openly may help women understand the impact on their overall well-being, leading to healthier habits and more effective prevention of oral health issues.

  • Women 40+ find it helpful to receive oral health advice related to menopause during dental visits.

  • 93% of women said it would be helpful if they were provided specific instructions on what they should do regarding their oral health during menopause.

  • Women 40+ are more likely to prioritize gum care during menopause after learning about the connection.

Source: 2024 Menopause Survey

Additional resources to protect your mouth through every stage of life

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. 

  • 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

    The transitional stage of perimenopause can impact your oral health. Understand 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.

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