One of the things I love most about working at Distinctly Dental is how supportive my colleagues are of one another. As a predominantly female team, we navigate the many challenges of womanhood together—from motherhood and balancing work and home life, to hormonal changes and everything else that everyday life throws at us! We don't always have all the answers, and we know that navigating women's health can sometimes feel confusing and overwhelming. There is still so much that we are learning about how hormonal changes affect women's health throughout our lives. That is one of the reasons I wanted to write this blog: to help women feel a little less alone. I am Samantha, the Practice Manager at Distinctly Dental and a qualified dental nurse. I am incredibly proud of the supportive team we have here. Whether you are seeing Dr Ezgi Cilingir, Dr Denisa Cooper, or another member of our exceptional team, we want you to feel comfortable, listened to and cared for. We are here to offer a safe and caring space where we don't judge—we simply try to help.
If life has been busy and your teeth or gums have been neglected for a while, please don't feel embarrassed. Our job isn't to tell you off. Our job is to help you move forward. So, let's talk about something that isn't discussed nearly enough: menopause and oral health.
Can menopause affect your oral health?
The short answer is yes, it can.
Menopause and perimenopause can bring about a huge range of changes in the body. We often hear about hot flushes, disrupted sleep, and changes in mood and energy levels—but changes in the mouth and gums are discussed far less often. Hormones play an important role throughout the body, including in our mouths. Changing hormone levels, particularly changes in oestrogen, may contribute to changes in your oral health. Not everyone will experience these problems, but some women may notice the following.
Dry mouth
Some women experience a dry mouth during perimenopause and menopause. Saliva does much more than we might realise. It helps protect our teeth, washes away food particles and neutralises acids in the mouth. When your mouth is drier than usual, you may be at greater risk of tooth decay and may find eating, speaking or wearing dentures less comfortable. If your mouth often feels dry, sticky or uncomfortable, please mention it to us.
Changes to your gums
Have you noticed that your gums seem more sensitive than they used to be? Perhaps they bleed when you brush or feel swollen or uncomfortable?
Hormonal changes can affect the way the gums respond to plaque and bacteria, which may make some women more susceptible to inflammation. Bleeding gums are always worth mentioning to your dentist or hygienist, as they can be a sign that your gums need some attention.
Gum disease
Gum disease can sometimes develop quietly, particularly in the early stages, and you may not experience any pain. This is one of the reasons regular dental and hygiene appointments are so important. They allow us to monitor your gums and identify any problems early, when they are often easier to manage.
Burning sensations or changes in taste
Some women experience unusual sensations in their mouths, including burning feelings affecting the tongue, lips or other areas. Changes in taste can also occur. These symptoms can have a number of possible causes, so if something doesn't feel right, please let us know.
Why now is a good time to get back into a routine
If your oral health hasn't been at the top of your priority list recently, that's okay. Perhaps you've spent years looking after everyone else, work has been demanding, family life has been hectic, or you've simply had too much going on. Many of us can relate to that.
The important thing is not to worry about what you should have done in the past, but to focus on what we can do from here. A check-up allows us to assess your teeth and gums, talk about any changes you have noticed and help you create a plan that feels manageable.
Don't forget about your hygienist
Your hygienist is an important part of helping you maintain a healthy mouth. Regular hygiene appointments can help keep your gums healthy by removing hardened plaque and deposits that brushing alone cannot remove. Your hygienist can also offer personalised advice to help you care for your teeth and gums at home. If hormonal changes are affecting your gums, regular hygiene visits can be particularly
valuable. And if it has been a while since your last appointment, please don't let that put you off. We're here to help you get back on track.
A few simple things you can do at home
Alongside your regular appointments, there are some simple ways to support your oral
health:
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth every day using interdental brushes, floss or another
method recommended for you.
Stay hydrated, particularly if you are experiencing a dry mouth.
Try to limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks.
Pay attention to changes in your mouth and gums.
Keep up with your regular dental and hygiene appointments.
And, most importantly, ask us if you're unsure about anything.
We're all navigating life together
At Distinctly Dental, we understand that life can be busy, complicated and sometimes
exhausting. As women, we may find ourselves navigating motherhood, careers, family
responsibilities, changes to our bodies and hormonal shifts—all while trying to keep everything balanced. Sometimes things get a little neglected. That's life.
We want to support women in looking after their health in whatever way we can. Sometimes simply having a conversation and feeling listened to can make a real difference. We genuinely believe that dentistry should be about more than simply treating teeth. It's about looking after people.
Please don't put off coming to see us
If you've been putting off the dentist because you're worried about what we might find, please don't let embarrassment stop you from making an appointment. Whether it has been six months, six years or longer since your last appointment, the most important thing is taking that first step. We don't want you to feel guilty about the past. We simply want to help you look after your smile moving forward.
You don't have to navigate it alone
Menopause and perimenopause can bring unexpected changes, and it can sometimes feel as though there isn't enough information or support available. Whilst we may not have all the answers, the team at Distinctly Dental will always do our best to listen, care and support you with your oral health. So, if you're concerned about your teeth or gums, experiencing changes in your mouth, or simply feel that it's time to start looking after yourself a little more, we're here. A warm welcome, a caring team and no judgement—just a genuine desire to help.
— Samantha, Practice Manager and Qualified Dental Nurse, Distinctly Dental
