Postmenopausal women may find that they are more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth loss as a consequence of falling estrogen levels during menopause. As declining hormone levels increase (post)menopausal women’s risk of developing the bone-thinning disease known as “osteoporosis,” decreasing bone density in the jaw bones gives rise to a higher likelihood of tooth loss. While regular dental treatments can help maintain the health of a woman’s teeth and gums, new research points to a way of addressing the underlying problem. According to a study of nearly 500 women between the ages of 50 and 87 years, estrogen therapy for a minimum of six months helped reduce their risk of severe periodontitis by 44 percent.
Your overall health is affected by the health of your gums. Gum disease not only leads to bone and tooth loss, but it has also been shown to worsen other systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer. To schedule an appointment with West Brookfield Dental, please call 508-867-2777. We provide a variety of gum disease treatments for your convenience. In some instances, patients may be referred to a specialist for more advanced cases. We are located at 9 West Main St., West Brookfield.
P.S. All women at risk for osteoporosis should make it a point to schedule regular dental exams.
