Gum Problems

Medically reviewed

Medically reviewed by Brenda G., MD | Written by Menopause Now Editorial Team | Updated: Jun 18, 2020

Did You Know?

Those with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease.

During menopause and other times of hormonal fluctuation, women are at a greater risk of dental problems, including gum problems. During menopause, this is most commonly associated with changing estrogen levels and the natural aging process.

Because of this increased risk of dental and gum problems, it is essential that menopausal women understand the symptoms, causes, and treatments of dental and gum problems. Read on to learn more about gum problems during menopause.

About Gum Problems

Dental and Gum problems during menopause

Gingivitis, the medical term for gum disease, develops when bacteria proliferate and build up between your gums and teeth, which can lead to irritation, inflammation, and bleeding. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems like periodontitis.

Did You Know?

Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs often prescribed to treat osteoporosis. Unfortunately, these drugs carry a rare but serious risk of osteonecrosis or dead jaw.

Menopause also increases the risk of bone problems, which can affect the teeth and jawbone. The risk of osteoporosis, which can target the teeth and jaw, significantly increases following menopause.

Gum problems can be characterized by myriad symptoms. Please read on to learn how to identify these symptoms, their causes, and what you can do about them.

In some circumstances, severe gum disease can not only cause the teeth to become loose, but can even lead to them falling out. This is due to the fact that the tissue surrounding the teeth and the supporting bones can become impaired and weaker. Learn more about the different forms of severe gum disease.

Symptoms of Gum Problems

While many women are aware of some of the symptoms associated with gum problems, it is important to highlight any potential warning signs.

Did You Know?

Many people first detect gum problems because their toothbrush bristles turn pink while brushing, which is a sign that their gums are bleeding with slight pressure.

If a woman experiences these or any other abnormal gum problems at any time, consulting a dental care professional or primary care physician is recommended.

While a visit to the dentist's chair is usually the only sure way to determine the cause of gum problems, it is very important to be informed of the possible causes of gum problems, especially during menopause. Read on to discover the common causes of gum problems during menopause.

Symptoms of having a gum infection are many. However, what's more important is the action you take to resolve the gum disease once it is diagnosed. Learn more about symptoms of infected gums here.

Causes of Gum Problems

While many factors can contribute to gum problems, the most common cause of gum problems during menopause is fluctuating estrogen levels. Estrogen affects many oral tissues, including the gums, salivary glands, and jawbones.

Did You Know?

Hormonal changes in menopause can make a woman's taste buds less sensitive to sucrose, leading to an increased desire for sweet foods.

During menopause, as the body prepares to shut down the reproductive functions of the ovaries, estrogen levels begin to spike and fall erratically, eventually leading to a significantly decreased production of estrogen. This drop in estrogen can increase the risk of gum problems, tooth loss, and osteoporosis.

In addition to hormonal causes, other factors can increase the risk of gum problems. These should be discussed in greater detail with a qualified dental professional. Read on to learn more about how to treat gum problems that occur during and after menopause.

If your gums are particularly sensitive, and you notice that they become raw or even slightly damaged after brushing your teeth, it might be that your toothbrush is unsuitable. Other oral hygiene habits can lead to swollen gums, but maintaining healthy habits and a balanced diet can remedy the problem. Find home remedies to improve gum health here.

Gum Problems Treatments

Preventing gum problems

When it comes to gum problems, prevention is key. A woman can make the following lifestyle changes to prevent or mitigate the effects of gum problems during menopause:

Getting to the root of the problem

While these measures can go a long way toward treating and managing gum problems, they are unable to address the specific root cause of hormonal imbalance that occurs during menopause. Luckily, there are safe and natural ways to address this problem of hormonal imbalance.

Natural treatments can help a woman manage and reverse gum problems, as well as other menopause symptoms. Natural remedies, especially in combination with the lifestyle adjustments, are typically the first recourse in treating gum problems and other menopause-related symptoms.

It is generally recommended that women who suffer from mild gum problems during menopause and wish to treat them begin with lifestyle changes, then move onto alternative medicines and finally, look to medications or surgery when other methods are ineffective. Click on the following link to learn specific treatments for gum problems in these three categories.

Once gums become infected, the main goal of treatment is to control the infection, which can only be achieved with proper home care alongside pharmaceutical options. Read more about gum infection treatments, including natural and medical options to try, before it advances any further to cause tooth loss.

Gum Problem Treatments

Sources

Dutt, P. , Chaudhary, S.R. & Kumar, P. (2013). Oral Health and Menopause: A Comprehensive Review on Current Knowledge and Associated Dental Management. Annals of Medical & Health Sciences Research, 3(3), 320-323. doi: 10.4103/2141-9248.117926
Ficarra, G. & Baninati, F. (2007). Bisphosphonate - related osteonecrosis of the jaws: the point of view of the oral pathologist. Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism, 4(1), 53-57. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781184/
López-Marcos, J.F. , García-Valle, S. & García-Iglesias, A.A. (2005). Periodontal aspects in menopausal women undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Medicina oral, patología oral y cirugía bucal, 10(2), 132-141. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15735546
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2013). Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. Retrieved April 27, 2016, from http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm
Saluja, P. (2014). Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Menstruation, Pregnancy and Menopause on Salivary Flow Rate, pH and Gustatory Function. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 8(10), ZC81-85. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/9935.5071

Articles about Gum Problems

All Gum Problems Articles

Daily Steps to Prevent Gum Infection during Menopause

12/23/2015

Gum infections can be an annoying, worrying symptom no matter in which stage of life they develop. During menopause, however, the risk of developing them is heightened due to fluctuating hormone levels. This article describes five day to day steps women can follow in order to prevent gum infections.

Menopause and Dental Problems: 6 Habits to Avoid

11/23/2013

Without a doubt, menopause does affect teeth and gums due to lowered levels of estrogen in the female body as ovarian hormonal production comes to halt. Continue reading to learn about six habits to avoid for optimal teeth health, and don't let menopause dental problems get you down.

5 Tips for Relieving Gum Problems during Menopause

02/06/2013

Gum problems are a common side effect of the menopause transition. Maintaining your oral health can become tricky once estrogen levels begin to decline. However, there are options. Click on the following link for more information on the causes and treatments for gum problems during menopause.

A Shopping List for People Wanting to Prevent Gum Problems in Menopause

09/05/2011

Due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause, women are more likely to experience gum problems during this stage of their lives. Luckily, there are steps women can take to prevent gum problems from occurring. Read on to learn about some of the products that will prevent gum disease.

All Gum Problems Articles