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Dental Health and Food: Learning to Eat Better

My intense love for candy, cakes, and everything in between started as a child. I simply couldn't go one day without something sweet to eat. But my love for all things sweet took a toll on my teeth. My dentist diagnosed me with seven cavities, each one a different size and depth. After sitting through four long dental appointments, I decided to make a change. I now monitor my diet and only eat things that benefit my oral health. I'm here to help you take better care of your teeth. My blog offers tips on how to improve your diet, maintain good oral hygiene, and many other topics. Hopefully, you can learn to overcome your bad habits just as I did. Good luck with your future dental health.

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Dental Health and Food: Learning to Eat Better

Is Menopause Impacting Your Oral Health?

by Eric Bailey

One of the surprising effects of menopause is that it can impact your teeth and gums. In fact, one of the earliest signs of menopause are changes to your oral health. If you are menopausal, here is what you need to know about its impact on your oral health.  

What Oral Health Changes Can Occur?

It is possible that you could get through menopause without experiencing any dental problems. However, some women will experience a number of changes, including dry mouth, gum infection, and burning mouth syndrome.  

One of the effects of menopause is bone loss. Unfortunately, that bone loss can extend to the teeth. Your risk of losing teeth increases as you lose bone mineral density in the rest of your body.  

Some women develop eating disorders during this time. Even if the disorder is temporary, it could still impact your oral health. Related symptoms, such as vomiting, could lead to enamel erosion. The eroded enamel means that you could experience tooth loss and decay. 

What Can You Do?

One of the most important steps you can take after entering menopause is to get a comprehensive dental exam. The examination is a thorough evaluation of your teeth and gums and the factors that could have influence over your oral health. The dentist will also look at the jaw and your bite to determine if there is a need for medical intervention.  

If the dentist discovers any issues, he or she can develop a treatment plan to help overcome it. For instance, if you develop dry mouth as a result of menopause, the dentist will likely recommend drinking more water, eliminating alcohol, and careful monitoring of the condition.  

In addition to the examination, you also need to ensure you are keeping up with your at-home dental care regimen. Your dentist might recommend brushing and flossing more if there is a concern about your oral health.  

It is imperative that you are careful with your diet at this time. Foods that are rich in sugar and acids can have a greater impact on your teeth and gums. Opt for healthier snacks that are not only good for your teeth and gums but also your overall health. For instance, calcium-rich foods can help combat bone loss.  

Talk to a dentist, likeBewick Keary DDS, about other steps you can take to protect your teeth while going through menopause. He or she will provide you with instructions that are specific to your current oral health. 

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