Gingivitis

Since menopause brings numerous changes to the body, it is not surprising that some women experience bleeding gum and gingivitis symptoms. Report shows that 75% of adults aged 35 years and over have some degree of gum disease. Maintaining a good oral health is important at all stages of life for both men and women. However, middle aged women have to put an extra effort compared to men as the hormonal changes that is brought upon by menopause have a direct correlation to bleeding gum and gingivitis problem.

Oral symptoms during perimenopause and menopause include redness or swelling in the gums, pain, discomfort, bleeding, dryness and change in taste sensation. The cause of these symptoms is the reduction in estrogen production in the ovaries. If left unchecked, gingivitis may put women at risk to bone density loss including the jaw bone and a more serious gum disease, periodontitis that can result in tooth loss. Even if you are not experiencing any pain in the gum, it is recommended that regular visits to your dentist (at least every 6 months) be scheduled to detect any oral problem that you may have early in order to increase the chance of a successful treatment.

There is also a condition called desquamative gingivitis where the outer layer of the gum tissue peels away thus exposing the nerve endings. It is a painful condition and is commonly experienced by middle-aged women.

The first step in alleviating gingivitis and bleeding gum problem is by keeping the oral bacteria in check. There will always a large number of bacteria present in the mouth, as it is the easiest foreign material entry into our bodies. Our bodies ward off these bacteria by having a high concentration of white cells in the mouth that act as the immune system first line of defense. Beta glucan, a powerful natural ingredient is found to be effective in stimulating the activity of these white cells and heal tissues. Yeast and oats are some of the example of food containing beta glucan.

You should also maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid smoking. Smoking introduces harmful effects to your oral health and damages gum tissues. Bacteria thrives on food that we ate and as such maintaining an effective brushing and flossing techniques should also be practiced in keeping a good oral health.

Herbs that are targeted to replace estrogen are also beneficial in relieving the bleeding gum and gingivitis problem. Otherwise referred to natural hormone replacement therapy, black cohosh and dong quai are two of the most commonly herbs used. The therapy also helps in fighting osteoporosis as well as your teeth. Tea tree oil, Q-10 coenzyme and folic acid are also found to be helpful.

You should discuss your bleeding gum and gingivitis situation with your dentist and let him/her know on any treatment whether synthetic or natural that you are currently taking. You should also inform your dentist on any changes to your body especially if you are undergoing a menopause period.