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[dahliagirl]

I have just been reading New Scientist (10 August - I share a subscription and am at the end of the line at present!) about the connection between the bacteria that cause gum disease and its possible involvement with other diseases such as Alzheimers, fatty liver disease, RA.

This lead me to wonder if that is the connection with HRT and prevention of such diseases; I found a considerable decline in my oral health and gums before I started HRT and have found it helped reduce the problems.

Anyway, the answer as always is in good diet and exercise as these improve your immune system.  I am going to be visiting the hygienist a lot more 

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24332420-900-have-we-found-the-true-cause-of-diabetes-stroke-and-alzheimers/  (you need a subscription to see the full article)

[dahliagirl]

Yes, my mouth is a lot drier. I have been trying dental chewing gum that I found in waitrose.  It  cures constipation  (the sweeteners used)

 I also find my dinner in my cheeks later on - I am becoming a hamster 

[CLKD]

This is why pregnant Mums get free dental treatment?

Also bad aural health can lead to heart disease.

[dahliagirl]

Yes, that is what this article is saying - it is the bacteria that cause gingivitis.  They may also be involved in a lot of other diseases.

I am wondering if post menopause gum problems may be a reason for diseases like Alzheimers and that hrt reduces gum problems.  Therefore this may be the mechanism by which HRT is linked to reductions in these diseases.

So, gum health is important.

[CLKD]

I have no problems.  Which reminds me, need to make a follow up appt. soon.  I use those small, plastic  Tippees between the teeth.  Gum care is as important as brushing 

[dahliagirl]

Absolutely.  Keep those gums healthy

   <-----  This was the best toothy grin.

[Padine]

Do you think genes and childhood have a part to play? I have always had bad teeth and for last 40 years I've brushed my teeth at least 3 times a day, they've improved in last 10 years and I've done nothing different except start HRT. My husband didn't have a toothbrush until he was 7, never brushed his teeth regularly until we got married (37 years ago) He lived on a farm and drank gallons of milk, his Mum couldn't afford sweeties often - he has less than 5 fillings and never had a tooth removed!
Our 2 sons have 3 fillings between them but I put that down to good aural hygiene with a good school dentist. I can't remember if they had fluoride drops? Do you think those drops helped at all?

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies

Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition and oestrogen has anti inflammatory properties so that may be the mechanism by which HRT helps. Certainly bacteria starts the process so good oral hygiene is important but genes and environment play their part too. My mother never ate sweets as a child and had perfect teeth with only one filling and my husband was told he needed lots of work because he had soft enamel. So a mixed bag there!

I haven't noticed any changes with the menopause, whether I am on HRT or not, but again we are all different.

Sorry I can't be of help but clearly there are many influences on our dental health.

Take care.

K.

[Padine]

On the fluoride topic again, wasn't that added to water in some UK regions? It was in Scotland in the 80s (Dumfriesshire in particular) and I remember now that our dentist said to forget the fluoride drops with my one year old son, just brush his little teeth with a tiny dollop of childrens' toothpaste, which he would probably swallow anyway  . Mr. John said they were unsure about fluoride overdose at that time. Said one year old is now 36, and has gorgeous teeth with one teeny, tiny white filling AND he loves sweet things (apart from his mother, of course! he can't eat me  )

                                     Padine x

[dahliagirl]

Floride is best applied to the teeth in toothpaste, rather than drunk.  It makes teeth stronger.

However, it is the bacteria that damage gums that is the problem.  They seem to damage other parts of our body too.  Hence the need for the hygienist.

[CLKD]

Doesn't anyone spit the paste out though  so most of the fluoride goes down the sink ?

[shrosphirelass]

After years of rinsing my mouth after tooth brushing I was told it was ill advised and advised to clean my teeth and leave the toothpaste on the teeth for maximum protection. I do spit though, don't want to swallow a load of toothpaste!

[Padine]

My dentist sells little travel packs of Colgate (other brands just as good I believe!) with small toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash. When last at hygienist I asked her if the new Sensodyne one was any better than Tesco's own brand - could have knocked me off the dental chair when she said “I don't believe in using mouthwash at all!!”  I now rinse my mouth before brushing my teeth and only spit that out after my 2 mins cleaning  with my electric brush.
I agree CLKD, the fluoride takes effect round the teeth and mouth but swallowed in  large amounts can have adverse effects.
       Padine x

[CLKD]

Our dentist hates those adverts as some mouth rinses can stip enamel off teeth 

A good brushing - flossing etc. after eating - and good gum hygiene is a starting point.  Got an appt. - had to go into the Surgery as their 'phone wasn't working 

[dahliagirl]

A bit of warm water with salt is effective if you need a swish round and doesn't strip enamel - it is amazing what I can find after cleaning my teeth    Tastes yuk though.