Menopause

If you are in menopause or post-menopause, you may have noticed changes in how your mouth looks and feels. This is because of the changes your body undergoes.

You may experience discomfort in the mouth, including dryness, pain, burning sensations, altered sense of taste, withdrawn gums, and greater sensitivity to hot and cold foods. These changes are due to hormonal change and the risk of developing periodontitis is increased.

Hormone therapy (estrogen supplementation) and / or saliva replacement products can help relieve these symptoms.

In rare cases, women may experience gingivostomatitis. With this condition the gums look dry or shiny, bleed easily and range from pale to bright red in color.