How menopause affects oral health, and what we can do about it

Maria Clarinda A. Buencamino; Leena Palomo; Holly L. Thacker

doi:10.3949/ccjm.76a.08095

ABSTRACT

After menopause, women become more susceptible to periodontal disease. We believe the problem is due in large part to estrogen deficiency with resulting bone loss and inflammatory processes. Osteoporosis and periodontal disease are best diagnosed early so that treatment can be started sooner and fractures and tooth loss can be prevented.

Footnotes

↵a Dr. Palomo has disclosed that she has received honoraria for speaking and teaching from Procter and Gamble.
↵b Dr. Thacker has disclosed that she has received honoraria for speaking and teaching from Bayer, Novartis, Procter and Gamble, Sanofi-Aventis, Ther-Rx, Upsher-Smith Laboratories, and Wyeth companies, and the Alliance for Better Bone Health.