Thursday, October 25, 2007

Menopausal women, postmenopausal women and gum disease.

It just never stops.

Dry mouth, pain, burning sensations, and changes in taste (peppery, salty, sour) are mild compared to the risk factors that include poor diet and low calcium intake, diabetes, cavities, and poor oral hygiene.

Menopause can cause gums to be sore and sensitive. A small percentage of women are affected by menopausal gingivitis, when gums might look shiny or dry, bleed, and range in color from pale to deep red.

Postmenopausal women can acquire something that is not clearly understood or easily pronounceable called desquamative gingivitis. This disease causes layers of the gums to shed and leaves the gum tissue raw and the nerves exposed.

What does this mean to you?

Debate continues among professionals regarding hormone replacement therapy. Some say it can cause gums to redden, bleed, and swell, and some say it will relieve the symptoms. So give us a break already.

Prevention is the key. Speak to your dental and health professionals and do your own research if you are menopausal or post-menopausal. Visit your dental professional at least twice a year for check-ups and professional cleaning.

What I know for sure is that it’s all connected!

Saundra
Got Teeth? A Survivor's Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
http://www.gotteethguide.com/