Menopause is characterised by dipping estrogen levels, a condition that can result in symptoms like chills, night sweats, sleeping problems, weight gain and low sexual drive to name a few. However, some symptoms can occur in the mouth.

Key Highlights

  • Menopause is characterised by dipping estrogen levels, a condition that can result in symptoms like chills, night sweats, sleeping problems, weight gain and low sexual drive to name a few.
  • Drop in estrogen levels can be blamed for changes in tastes – ranging from bitter to metallic flavours of how food tastes to you.
  • Dry mouth can also be blamed for changes in taste because estrogen is the hormone that affects saliva production.
Change is the only constant and some physical changes or transitions are an inevitable part of our being. Be it the onsets of menstrual cycles or menopause – some changes are natural. However, one continues to struggle with the physical and emotional challenges that come along. On one hand, the beginning of reproductive years through menstrual cycles brings pain and development of body parts like breasts; menopause is accompanied by hot flashes, mood swings and vaginal dryness. However, according to Express.co.uk, there are some lesser known symptoms that affect the mouth.

How menopause affects the mouth

Menopause is characterised by dipping estrogen levels, a condition that can result in symptoms like chills, night sweats, sleeping problems, weight gain and low sexual drive to name a few. However, according to Express.co.uk, some symptoms can occur in the mouth. These include:

  1. Burning tongue: This sensation can be as strong as feeling like your mouth is scalded. The discomfort can be felt on the roof of the mouth, near the lips or all around the mouth. Regular visits to the dentist can help with better management of these symptoms.
  2. Altered taste: Drop in estrogen levels can be blamed for changes in tastes – ranging from bitter to metallic flavours of how food tastes to you. Experts also blame this effect on low zinc levels. To fix this, it is recommended to eat foods rich in zinc – nuts, seeds, shellfish and good quality meats.
  3. Dry mouth: Dry mouth can also be blamed for changes in taste because estrogen is the hormone that affects saliva production. Therefore, when menopause kicks in, one is likely to experience dry mouth due to dipping estrogen levels. To combat this, keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water as dry mouth can affect oral health as well. Chewing gum can also be helpful as it triggers saliva production.
  4. Gum disease and loss of teeth: Low saliva levels make it difficult for one to wash out bacteria in the mouth which can overtime trigger gum disease, tooth decay or loss. This can make you more prone to frequent gum bleeding and other oral problems which can be dealt with by drinking lots of water, staying hydrated and regular visits to the dentist to mitigate risk or delay oral problems altogether.