Women and Oral Health

Mea A. Weinberg, D.M.D., M.S.D., R.Ph.

US Pharmacist. 2002;27(9)

Menopause

During menopause there is a decrease in the levels of progesterone and estrogen circulating in the bloodstream. The most common oral manifestations of menopause are oral discomfort and bone loss due to osteoporosis.^[11,12] Oral discomfort has been described as pain, burning, dryness, and a bad taste in the mouth.^[11]

At this phase of life, many women may be taking estrogen supplements, which will most likely bring hormonal levels back to normal rather than to the elevated levels reached in pregnancy and in women taking oral contraceptives. Therefore, gingival inflammation will not be a major factor in menopausal and postmenopausal women.^[13] Women who have good oral (gingival) health are not at increased risk for the development of periodontal disease during and after menopause.^[1] Estrogen supplementation may also reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures.

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Cite this: Women and Oral Health - Medscape - Sep 01, 2002.

Table 1. Clinical Features of Puberty-Associated Gingivitis
Accumulation of dental plaque on teeth Pronounced inflamed gingiva Redness of gingiva Swelling of gingiva Bleeding of gingiva upon stimulation Reversible following puberty No radiographic bone loss

Table 2. Clinical Features of Menstrual Cycle-Associated Gingivitis
Accumulation of plaque on teeth Modest inflammatory response of gingiva prior to ovulation No radiographic bone loss Reversible following ovulation

Table 3. Clinical Features of Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis
Increased accumulation of plaque on teeth Onset in the second or third trimester Pronounced redness of gingiva Edematous (swollen) gingiva Bleeding of gingiva upon stimulation Reversible postpartum

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Women and Oral Health

Menopause

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