Insights on Periodontitis and Menopause

Welcome to my blog, where I delve into the intricate connection between periodontitis and menopause. 

Menopause and Periodontitis: How Your Hormones Effect your Gum Health

         Menopause is the phase of a woman’s life that marks the end of one period and the beginning of another. However, most women dread this because of the changes it brings to their bodies. The mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, spotting, and vaginal dryness are all common symptoms talked about amongst women experiencing menopause. The list of changes that come to mind about what a women’s body goes through during this time can be exhausting to think about, but one symptom doesn’t seem to get the attention it should. Periodontitis, it is a disease linked to hormone fluctuations like those caused by menopause in women and a huge part in a woman’s overall health that the prevalence of connected cases shouldn’t be ignored.                                              

          Periodontitis is a disease that effects the periodontium and surrounding bone that hold the teeth in the mouth. It attacks the supporting tissue of the periodontal ligament space and the alveolar bone level reducing it so much that, in severe cases loss of teeth can be possible. Once diagnosed with periodontal disease the condition can’t be reversed only maintained. It can be brought on by many factors such as smoking, genetics, poor oral hygiene, hormones, and gender. Women that are postmenopausal have greater risk of periodontitis than non-menopausal women (Park et. al., 2022). Making education on the hormonal effects of the mouth especially important for women experiencing menopause. Hormones changing like those with menopause can ultimately negatively impact our oral health but, having a arsenal of good habits can combat this.

       During menopause there is a decrease in hormones like oestrogen, estrogen, and progesterone. 70% of women 50 and older report noticing at least one or more symptoms of menopause in their mouths (DeltaDental, 2025). oestrogen can reduce saliva production leading to xerostomia which increases the risk of periodontitis. Oestrogen also has anti-inflammatory effects which include inhibiting bone resorption and bone formation, a deficiency in this hormone would lead to greater chances of developing periodontal disease (Deschner, et. al., 2025). Estrogen and progesterone level decreases can cause similar effects as oestrogen. Other symptoms associated with decreases in estrogen and progesterone is gum sensitivity, meaning they are more prone to infection. Tooth sensitivity from thinning tissues. Changes in taste causing an increase in sugary or acidic foods that can harm oral health. Osteoporosis a condition that causes bone loss is a common condition among women during menopause and that can lead to destruction of bone in the jaws aiding periodontitis in the destruction of bone in the jaws. Bone density and bone loss occur leading to less attachment with the periodontium of the oral cavity (PennDentalMedicine, 2025). While hormones play a crucial role in the onset of periodontitis during menopause, they can be combatted with good oral hygiene practices (PennDentalMedicine, 2025).  

        Good oral hygiene and healthy habits set a foundation even through hormone changes brought on by menopause that can decrease a women’s chances of developing periodontitis. Staying hydrated can help combat the effects of xerostomia or dry mouth by keeping the mouth moist and stimulate salivary flow. Good oral hygiene at home with flossing, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and antibacterial mouth twice daily will reduce bacteria in the mouth. Cutting down on the bacteria in the mouth can then cut down the chances of bacteria below the gumline. Keeping up on regularly scheduled dental cleanings can also reduce the amount of bacteria and plaque built up on the teeth. Lastly maintaining a well-balanced diet can help with reduction of sugary or acidic foods which can as mentioned above exasperate the balance of the oral cavity tipping it into inflammation and caries formation. Keeping these practices as daily routines before and during menopause will help women when hormone changes start to affect their oral cavities.

        Menopause is a naturally occurring event in every women’s lifetime. Hormone changes during this period can be a trying process for the women experiencing it and with a magnitude of symptoms it can be over whelming. Menopause can feel like it’s out of a woman’s control with little to no say over the symptoms she experiences. However, periodontitis can be one of those symptoms that can be avoided with a diligent at home care, a balanced diet, and adequate hydration. The effects periodontitis can have on the oral cavity, and the periodontium should be a priority of all women wanting to stay in control of their health during this time. Understanding the connection between menopause and periodontitis allows women to take preventative steps before periodontitis can occur.