As your estrogen levels decrease during perimenopause and menopause, you may notice sensitive teethTooth sensitivity, or “dentin hypersensitivity,” is exactly what it sounds like: pain or discomfort in the teeth as a response to certain stimuli, such as hot or cold temperatures. It may be temporary or a chronic problem, and it can affect one tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth in a single individual.https://www.healthline.com › health › sensitive-teeth
Teeth. Many women experience tooth pain during hormonal fluctuations throughout the various life stages they have. This pain is associated with the buildup of bacterial load in the oral cavity due to changes in blood flow and saliva levels. Some people also experience an increase in sensitivity to hot and cold.
The decline in estrogen that occurs with menopause also puts women at greater risk for bone loss or osteoporosis and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth (called periodontitis). Loss of bone, specifically in the jaw, can lead to tooth loss.
The surge in production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone that occurs during puberty can increase the blood flow to the gums and change the way gum tissue reacts to irritants in plaque, causing the gum tissue to become red, tender, swollen, and more likely to bleed during brushing and flossing.
Various vitamin deficiencies have been proven to cause sensitive teeth. These include calcium, known for strengthening our bones. A lack of vitamin D can cause cavities, leading to sensitive teeth. Finally, a lack of vitamin B12 can increase the risk of suffering gum disease.
Tooth sensitivity is caused by worn tooth enamel or exposed nerves in your teeth. When you eat or drink something with an extremely low or high temperature, you may feel a sudden, sharp flash of pain.
Tooth sensitivity, according to the American Dental Association, is caused by tooth decay, a cracked tooth, worn tooth enamel, worn fillings or tooth roots that are exposed as a result of aggressive tooth brushing, gum recession, or periodontal (gum) disease.
Excess cortisol may also play a role in periodontal destruction. A suppressed immune system increases the risk of mouth infections, such as canker sores, cold sores and periodontal disease. It also allows the bacteria in your mouth to flourish, which in turn enhances the likelihood of tooth decay.
Low estrogen levels can interfere with sexual development and sexual functions. They can also increase your risk for obesity, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Treatments have evolved over the years and become more effective.
Too little estrogen can lead to a low sex drive. Too much of it can cause infertility and erectile dysfunction. Excessive estrogen can cause gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts.
Menopause signifies a significant change in women's hormones, making you more susceptible to conditions affecting your oral health, such as dry mouth, gum recession, tooth pain, gum disease, and more.
Stress. Stress can lead to tooth damage if it causes you to grind your teeth, which in turn can cause tooth sensitivity, Ribeiro says. Because this grinding, called bruxism, often occurs when you're asleep, you might not realize you're doing it.
As estrogen levels drastically change in perimenopause, high levels can cause bloating, breast tenderness, and heavy bleeding. Once these levels become more consistently low, that can cause hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, changes in fat distribution (new or growing "spare tire"), insomnia, and fatigue.
A Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study involving postmenopausal, overweight, and obese women who took 2,000 IUs of vitamin D daily for a year found that those whose vitamin D blood levels increased the most had the greatest reductions in blood estrogens, which are a known risk factor for breast cancer.
It depends on your situation. Not all women need, want or are candidates for estrogen therapy. Estrogen can reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. If you have a uterus, you'll likely need to take progesterone along with the estrogen.
If the pain or sensitivity becomes severe to the point where it prohibits the patient from carrying out their daily routine in a normal manner, then it is time to visit the dentist as soon as possible. There are several reasons why visiting the dentist for intolerable teeth sensitivity is important.
Menopausal gingivostomatitis is an oral health condition that causes gum inflammation. Gums may be deep red or noticeably pale, appear dry or shiny, and bleed easily during brushing or flossing. Lesions that resemble canker sores may also be present in the mouth. Gingivitis is another possible culprit.