Does Low Estrogen Affect Dental Health?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

Does estrogen help your teeth?

It also

helps clean the mouth and neutralize acids from plaque

. It’s your body’s natural defense against tooth decay and gum disease. Estrogen can affect how much saliva you produce, which means you may have a higher risk of developing dry mouth after estrogen declines during menopause.

Can low estrogen cause gum problems?


The levels of estrogen and progesterone in today’s birth control prescriptions are too low to cause any issues with your gums

, according to a February 2013 review in the journal Periodontology 2000. Still, it’s important make sure your health history forms at the dentist are up to date if you are taking birth control.

Does estrogen help with gums?

“This study demonstrates that estrogen therapy, which has proven to be effective in preventing bone loss,

may also prevent the worsening of tooth and gum disease

.

What are the symptoms of low estrogen?

  • Dry skin.
  • Tender breasts.
  • Weak or brittle bones.
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Moodiness and irritability.
  • Vaginal dryness or atrophy.
  • Hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Irregular periods or no periods (amenorrhea).

Can low estrogen cause dry mouth?


The drop in estrogen levels that occurs in menopause can cause extremely dry mouth

, which can trigger a metallic taste for many women.

Can menopause affect teeth and gums?


Menopause can also cause a dry mouth, which may increase your risk for gum disease and cavities

. When your salivary glands fail to produce enough saliva to wash away oral bacteria, germs can accumulate inside your mouth, raising your risk for gingivitis and tooth decay.

How do hormones affect teeth?

Not only are your gums affected but

hormones affect your body’s response to toxins, such as bacteria found in your mouth

. When the gums are weakened by bacteria and infections or when changes in hormones make them more open to attack from toxins, your teeth can also start to suffer as periodontal disease can set in.

What causes low estrogen?

The most common risk factors for low estrogen levels include:

age, since your ovaries produce less estrogen over time

. family history of hormonal issues, such as ovarian cysts. eating disorders.

How can I increase my estrogen levels naturally?

  1. Phytoestrogen-Rich Foods. Phytoestrogens, found in plants and plant-based foods, have a similar structure to estradiol, which is the strongest of the estrogen hormones. …
  2. B Vitamins. …
  3. Vitamin D. …
  4. Chasteberry (also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus) …
  5. Boron. …
  6. Black Cohosh. …
  7. Evening Primrose Oil.

Why are my bottom front teeth shifting?

Sometimes, bottom front teeth shifting

can happen as you age

. Various physiological changes may occur in your mouth, such as shrinkage of your lower jaw. Your lips can also get tighter as you get older, leading to more pressure on your teeth.

Can low estrogen cause mouth sores?


A decrease in estrogen may cause dry mouth, chronic ulcers, sloughing of gum tissue, an abnormal taste sensation and burning-mouth syndrome.

Can hormones affect gums?

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.

Does estrogen cause inflammation?

1. The role of estrogens is shown by

increased inflammatory responses to infection

and a higher rate of autoimmune diseases in post-menopausal women when compared to men, as well as by the variation of chronic inflammatory disease activity with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause [86, 87].

Can menopause cause receding gums?

Without oestrogen, bacteria soon starts to attack the teeth and gums, causing severe gum disease leading to bad breath, bleeding gums and terrible pain.

If left untreated, the gums start to recede, making teeth loose and increasing the risk they fall out

.

How do you fix low estrogen?

Treatment can come in many forms, and your OBGYN will help you choose what’s best.

Vaginal rings, estrogen creams, vaginal estrogen tablets, and estrogen patches and pills

are all possible forms of estrogen therapy treatment for vaginal atrophy and low estrogen.

How can I raise my estrogen levels quickly?

  1. Soybeans. Soybeans and the products produced from them, such as tofu and miso, are a great source of phytoestrogens . …
  2. Flax seeds. Flax seeds also contain high amounts of phytoestrogens. …
  3. Sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are another dietary source of phytoestrogens.

What time of day is estrogen highest?

Peak levels are reached in the morning

between 07.00 and 10.00

, a trough is seen in the evening and levels then begin to rise again at night.

What are the symptoms of low estrogen and progesterone?

  • Fatigue.
  • Cravings for sweets or carbohydrates.
  • Weight gain.
  • Hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Feeling depressed or overwhelmed.
  • Mood swings or irritability.
  • Insomnia or restless sleep.
  • Headaches.

How do I know if I need to increase my HRT?

You don’t mention your age, but it is really important to stay on hormone replacement therapy until you are at least 51. This protects your bones, your brain and your heart.

If you are still having very bad symptoms, then the dose of oestrogen needs to be increased rather than stopped

.

How does menopause affect the mouth?

In addition to bone loss, lowered hormones during menopause can also lead to

dry mouth

. Dry mouth can cause acid build-up in the mouth that attacks and damages the tooth enamel. The mouth needs saliva to neutralize acid attacks and wash away the germs, bacteria, and food particles that cling to teeth and gums.

Why are my teeth falling out at 50?

The most common cause of tooth loss among the aging generation is not aging, but rather

periodontal disease

, which slowly wears down the supporting tissues in the mouth, often leading to tooth loss.

Does HRT help with teeth?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been credited with helping women manage a range of menopause-related issues, including hot flushes, heart health and bone density, and now

new research suggests HRT could be used to reduce gum disease and prevent tooth loss

.

Can menopause cause tooth sensitivity?

Common oral symptoms of menopause

Many women experience mouth pain during menopause without fully understanding why. During this phase and even after menopause is over,

it’s common to experience burning sensations and tooth pain

.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.