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[Suziemc]

All I can say is wow!  Today I went for my regular 3 mthly hygienist appt and, having spent three years getting on top of severe gum disease, the hygienist told me my gums had taken a step backwards.  She then asked me if there had been any changes in my HRT regime that could have contributed to this!!!

I had declared my HRT on the practice medical forms and had previously, a couple of years back, chatted with her about the possible effects of menopause on gums and oral health, she had agreed that she sees changes through monthly cycles for younger women so she felt menopause could have an impact. Today she said she'd tried to research it more but there wasn't a lot to read.

My HRT regime has changed, I was using Oestrogel but over the last nine months or so, since the 'bottle change' debacle, I've had to increase dosage a couple of times as symptoms have started to creep back. Just this week my GP changed me to Lenzetto to see if that suits better than the 'new' Oestrogel so I'm hoping my next dental appt in 3mths might see an improvement.

I'm so so impressed that this young lady, who is many many years away from her own menopause, has taken an interest in this subject.

Ladies.....please make sure you have regular dentist appointments as gum disease can be a silent symptom of menopause.

[CLKD]

Agreed.   My Hygienist advised regular use of ti-pee brushes between the teeth and to stimulate the gums - as with the long bones the jaw bone needs work!  Chewing is important. 

This could of course be a Thesis subject ;-) !

[rferdi]

I've not been diagnosed with gum disease yet (and hope I'll never be) but one of my first physical perimenopause symptoms was gum recession and just general deterioration of my teeth, which took me by surprise. I saw this almost overnight about 4-5 years ago, one day I was looking in the mirror and saw my teeth and I was shocked, they had suddenly started to get a bit yellowy and my gums had receded quite a bit, I had more tooth showing and less gum. I couldn't believe it. I'd changed nothing in my oral hygiene which has always been very good.

Just one more of the many many physical changes I began to see in my body kind of overnight, starting just about four or five years ago. Now I know it was all perimenopause, but at the time I was completely ignorant.

[CLKD]

What advice were you given rferdi?

[rferdi]

Nothing other than to floss more often which I already do daily, and to basically continue to do what I've been doing. Also to go for dental cleanings more often (I was doing it once a year), but that's not good for me as I have a lot of pain for days after a dental cleaning.

I told the dentist all these changes had been very sudden and she said yes it's what can happen with age, so she must've seen this in other women as well I'm sure, she wasn't surprised. She's been my dentist for about 8 years.

[CLKD]

I think that you should get rid of the floss [nasty stuff] and use ti-pees which get to more areas.  At least 3 times a day after meals and B4 bed.  Gargling with boiled, cooled, salted water in the morning may help too 

I also think that if U go to a hygienist more often, your after-treatment soreness/pain will improve.  She will be flushing out debris as well as encouraging the gums to bleed = healing.  When I remember I make an appt for every 3-4 months but I am paying for my treatments.  I have VERY crocked teeth   

I also have a pokey thingy to get behind those crocked teeth .......

[rferdi]

Thanks for the advice CLKD