How hormones could change your oral health as you age

Key points

• Approximately 60 percent of older Australian women experience oral health concerns caused by medication and hormones, according to the Australian Dental Association
• Older women are at greater risk of oral health issues such as dry mouth and gum disease than the general population
• Good oral health care includes brushing twice daily, flossing and visiting a dentist regularly

Dental Health Week is being held between August 5 and 11, 2024 by the Australian Dental Association to raise awareness about caring for your teeth and gums. 

This annual health promotion helps to emphasise the importance of improving the oral health of Australians, especially older women.

The Australian Dental Association wants to remind Australian women of the oral hygiene basics — brush twice a day, floss daily, eat a diet low in sugar and see your dentist regularly. 

Approximately 67,000 hospitalisations could be prevented each year by receiving earlier treatment for dental conditions, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Menopausal and post-menopausal women may be affected by a greater number of oral health concerns compared to the general Australian population. 

Medications and hormones are some reasons that can cause approximately 60 percent of women to experience oral health concerns, such as a dry mouth, oral discomfort and burning, gum disease, osteoporosis and associated complications.

A person experiencing dry mouth may find it difficult to eat dry foods such as crackers due to a lack of saliva which is required for swallowing. This symptom can be unpleasant and can also come with additional oral health concerns such as thrush and tooth decay. 

Older women in their 50s are more likely to experience oral discomfort and burning than the general population. This uncomfortable sensation affects oral areas such as the cheeks, tongue and lips.

While the exact cause remains unknown, cases of chronic oral discomfort may require medical intervention such as consultation with a doctor and medication.

Gum disease varies in severity, with the milder form being gingivitis and the more severe being periodontitis. Symptoms include bad breath, loose teeth and gums that bleed while being brushed. Milder forms can generally be managed by brushing and flossing regularly in addition to visiting your dentist. 

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease related to reduced bone density which causes brittle or porous bones. Medications used to treat osteoporosis can increase the risk of pain in affected areas, gum swelling and pus. 

Completing a comprehensive dental assessment is recommended before taking the medication for osteoporosis, as is attending regular dental checkups.

Around 20 percent of women over the age of 50 years old are currently diagnosed with osteoporosis, compared to just five percent of men who are the same age. 

To learn more about the increased risk of osteoporosis in older women, head to this article: Why women are more likely to have osteoporosis. 

However, poor oral health may also affect other aspects of an older person’s life, including their willingness to socialise with other people.

Researchers found that 71 percent of women aged 75 years or older with their own teeth engaged in social activities, compared to 54 percent without teeth. 

With almost 20 percent of Australians over the age of 75 years old reporting feeling lonely, improving oral health could be one way to tackle this loneliness epidemic. Researchers have found that feeling lonely can negatively affect mental and physical health. 

To maintain good oral health, the Centre for Oral Health emphasises the importance of brushing natural teeth twice a day, using dental floss and replacing your toothbrush when it becomes worn or after three months. 

For people with dentures, cleaning your gums and tongue with a toothbrush and toothpaste is recommended, as is using a denture brush and liquid soap to clean your dentures. 

Cleaning your dentures with toothpaste is not recommended because it can be too abrasive and cause damage to your dentures.

Other helpful tips to maintain good oral health include:

• sipping water during the day to keep your mouth moist;
• avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks;
• drinking tap water containing fluoride to prevent tooth decay.

Ninety percent of Australians have access to drinking water that contains fluoride, as per data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

While private dentists can provide appropriate care regarding dental care, not every older Australian will be able to afford the services. 

Up to one-third of Australians are eligible for public dentist services but the waiting lists for these services are long and can extend to years. However, once you receive an appointment, trained dentists can provide you with appropriate care regarding your oral health.

In Queensland, for example, older Australians can access free dental care with a valid Medicare card and either a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or a Queensland Seniors Card. 

However, in South Australia, only the Health Care Card and Pensioner Concession Card are accepted for free public dental care.

For a comprehensive list of the services available in your state and eligibility criteria, visit this Australian Dental Association webpage. 

How do you manage your oral hygiene as an older woman in Australia?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

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