Menopause and Your Mouth

Hormonal changes during menopause can affect oral health in ways many women don’t expect. Lower estrogen can:

* Reduce saliva, causing dry mouth and higher cavity risk

* Lower jawbone density, which can threaten teeth and implants

Simple steps—drinking more water, chewing sugar-free gum, limiting caffeine and alcohol—can help boost natural saliva. Keep brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial rinse if recommended. Calcium and vitamin D support both bone and dental health.

Discussing symptoms with your periodontist can lead to targeted care, from bone-grafting options to saliva-support strategies, so you can stay healthy and comfortable at every stage of life.