Lots of my friends have complained that since starting or going through the Menopause they have had lots of menopause mouth issues, so, I decided to investigate it. A burning mouth and tongue, gum problems, aching jaw and teeth are just some of the issues that women face at this transitioning time.
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What causes Menopause mouth issues?
With the levels of Oestrogen starting to decline during Menopause, this hormone is the one that is responsible for regulating the levels of fluid in the body. Falling Oestrogen levels can cause the mucus membranes in the mouth and nose to thin and become drier, this can affect the amount of saliva from being produced. This can, in turn cause lots of mouth/teeth/jaw and gum issues, many of which can be uncomfortable and lead to problems with thirst, chewing and swallowing and effect your oral health.
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Burning Mouth/Tongue: This can actually make you feel like your mouth is burning and on fire most of the time, but often it is a symptom that comes and goes. It is often caused by diet and your nutritional needs being a lot higher at the time of Menopause.
Stress can be a big factor as well as anxiety, so if the symptoms worsen when you are stressed you know that you need to address the stress levels in your life. Anaemia is another thing to look out for, especially if you are suffering with heavy periods, your iron levels could be low. It is worth ruling this out by a blood test with your GP. Thyroid issues can also be connected to a burning mouth or tongue, if you feel you are continuously tired, have a low mood and maybe sleep problems too, its worth having it checked out with your GP.
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How to combat Burning Mouth/Tongue:
- Try using a good quality Multi Vitamin. Click here to view Natures Best Multivitamin for Women!
- Change your toothpaste.
- Change your mouth wash or any other mouth health products you use.
- Try Alpha-lipoic Acid, this can work wonders for some women.
Gum Problems:
Lots of women seem to find that they start to get problems with their teeth and gums during Menopause. When brushing your teeth, the gums can bleed, and teeth become overly sensitive. It is always worth seeing your dentist and combating any problems before they become worse if they are causing you an issue. Women can also get sore teeth and a sore jaw, checking what hygiene products you are using and changing them to see if this makes a difference is definitely worth a try.
How to combat Gum/Teeth Problems:
- Try using a natural toothpaste for gums and teeth issues.
- Good quality Calcium and Magnesium supplements can keep your teeth healthy too.
Dry Mouth:
Menopause can also cause a symptom called ‘Menopause Dry Mouth’, it can cause your mouth, lips, and throat to feel sore, also leaving you feeling thirsty and maybe a little hoarse when you speak. Keeping your mouth moist can help, your saliva also helps to keep your teeth protected against decay and infections. Any changes to your saliva can give you a bitter taste and cause problems with chewing, tasting and swallowing and can lead to bad breath.
How to combat a Dry Mouth:
- Eating plain foods and fruit can help, avoiding hot, spicy and salty foods, as these dehydrate your mouth.
- Sucking hard boiled sweets and chewing sugar free gum, can increase the saliva in your mouth and even ice cubes can do the same.
- Avoid sugary, acidic foods as they can increase tooth decay.
- Apply a soothing lip balm, to avoid your lips from peeling and flaking and getting chapped, I highly recommend Burt’s Bees lip balm!
- Take Sea Buckthorn Oil which contains Omega- 7 oils, it is also great for supporting healthy mucous membrane.
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*DISCLAIMER*This page does not provide medical advice; it is intended for informational purposes only and is based upon my opinion and experiences. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on The Executive Menopause Coach website. Always seek professional medical advice.
[…] Burning and Dry Mouth – Caused usually by a dry mouth, reducing Oestrogen levels in menopause leads to reduced saliva production. […]