Menopause Hormone Shifts Raise Oral Health Risks for 40% of Women, Including TMJ and Tooth Fractures
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 12
Menopause Hormone Shifts Raise Oral Health Risks for 40% of Women, Including TMJ and Tooth Fractures
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 12
Summary
More than 40% of menopausal women report oral discomfort, with experts linking hormone changes to dry mouth, gum inflammation, tooth decay, TMJ disorders and even tooth fractures.
Estrogen loss drives much of the damage by thinning oral tissues, reducing saliva and accelerating bone loss, which can weaken teeth and raise cavity and jaw-joint risks.
Amy Cuevas Schroeder, 50, said perimenopause that began in her early 40s was followed by a tooth fracture, headaches and jaw, neck and shoulder pain; her dentist diagnosed TMJ disorder.
Experts recommend closer dental monitoring during menopause because symptoms that seem unrelated to oral health can reflect broader hormone-driven changes in the mouth and jaw.