Eyes and Mouth - Diet & Nutrition
Why diet is important for oral health and menopause
Loss of oestrogen and progesterone may reduce saliva production from your salivary glands. This dryness can make your mouth more vulnerable to infection. It can also happen elsewhere such as dry eyes, skin, hair and in your genital area. A result of the dryness you may be more prone to tooth decay especially if you consume sugary drinks to alleviate the dryness.
Changes to your eating habits (comfort eating) often prompted by the menopause has an adverse effect on your teeth and oral health. It is common to crave more sugary foods, and increase your alcohol intake or smoking due to stress, anxiety or feeling low. These habits can cause dental problems like cavities, or infections. If you have anxiety, you may also start to grind your teeth at night!
Minimising the amount of sugary food and drink you consume reduces your risk of dental decay. It is advised that you visit your dentist and hygienist as often as they deem necessary.
Some women also notice an alteration in their taste, especially with salty, peppery or sour foods.
Healthy food for menopausal mouth problems
Consuming plenty of healthy vitamins and minerals in your diet has a positive impact on your gums, teeth and mouth.
As a guide eat more:
Vitamin A, helps maintain healthy mucous membranes, and saliva flow and helps keep your gums healthy. Eat more: carrots, sweet potato, broccoli, and butter (in moderation due to the high-fat content).
vitamin B1 and B2, which are found in red meats and fish like salmon and sardines.
Vitamin D reduces gum inflammation. Eat more: cheese, mushrooms, fortified cereals, yoghurts and soy milk. Oily fish SMASH – salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and halibut.
Calcium Eat more: shellfish, sardines, broccoli, dairy, nuts & seeds.
Phosphorous. Eat more: garlic, onions, salmon, soya, beans & legumes (all also containing calcium)
Magnesium – Helps the body absorb calcium and is good for teeth and bones. Eat more: leafy greens, kelp, seaweed (sushi wraps), beans and nuts. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium.
ALA (alpha-lipoic acid) which is called the ‘Poor Man’s Root Canal’ treatment due to its effect on treating infection, is found in the Hot Flush favourites milled linseeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds – or in their oils.
Natural remedies for your menopausal mouth
These supplements may help support saliva production
Sea Buckthorn Oil: Helps support the mucous membranes. Take as a powder in water, juice or smoothie, look for Omega 7 SBA24 Sea Buckthorn Oil capsules formulation.
Calcium: Absorption is improved if taken with vitamin D and magnesium and may help to avoid jawbone erosion.
Black Cohosh: May help to balance oestrogen levels and relieve symptoms. Not for prolonged use.
Dong Quai: May help with balancing hormone levels. It has an anti-coagulant effect, so it is essential that you don’t use it leading up to any surgical or dental procedures and tell your dentist you’ve been taking it.
As always check with your doctor if you are taking prescribed drugs or have any existing, or hormone-sensitive condition