The transition from the child-bearing years to middle age also can affect a woman's oral health. Women going through menopause may experience dryness or burning sensations in the mouth, or even changes in the way food tastes. Other oral health conditions during menopause are receding gums and a decrease in the amount of bone to which teeth are attached. Osteoporosis, a degenerative bone condition which occurs in one-third of all white women by age of 60, can affect the jaw bone, resulting loose teeth and dentures. Severe bone loss may directly affect the part of the jaws containing the sockets of the teeth and the ridge of the gums behind the upper front teeth.
Osteoporosis can accelerate bone loss, which can lead to dentures at an earlier age.
While not the only cause of osteoporosis, research links the condition to a deficiency in calcium. Approximately 75 percent of women who develop osteoporosis are smokers. Excessive alcohol, caffeine, protein and salt intake have been linked to bone loss. Each women should work with her own dentist and physician to determine the best health care regimen for. Positive lifestyle changes by women can help prevent many of the health care problems unique to females.