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Menopause & receding gums / gum disease

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 10:48 am
by Guest Posts
On behalf of Ann:
I’m 52 and have no signs that I am going through the menopause other than I think I have gum disease. I’ve done some research and found that decreased levels of oestrogen can cause gum disease in menopausal women. I’ve made an appointment to see my dentist next week but would be interested to have the opinion of other experts.

I’ve always looked after my teeth and only have 2 fillings. I use an electric toothbrush and brush twice a day. I floss and use a mouthwash. But lately within 15 minutes of my oral hygiene regime, my teeth feel like they are coated and furry – 2 of my teeth seem to be receding quite badly. Is this sort of gum disease reversible? I’ve read a course of antibiotics can help kill the bacteria – is this true? And I’ve read it’s best not to drink coffee or alcohol as it aggravates the condition, and green tea and vitamin c foods will help.

Any advice you can give me would be very much appreciated.

Re: Menopause & receding gums / gum disease

Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2017 1:48 pm
by Mr. Hugh Byrne, MRCOG
Well, we're the gynaecologists, so we'd be interested to hear what the dentist has to say. Your oral symptoms are not typical for the menopause and many other systemic diseases/deficiencies can manifest as mouth symptoms so a more general chat with your GP is required, perhaps with at least a full blood count.

Re: Menopause & receding gums / gum disease

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2017 5:06 pm
by Dr Heather Currie
There is some evidence that estrogen deficiency can affect dental health. Certainly be guided by your dentist in the first instance,
Heather Currie