For Reals Menopause is Giving You Bad Breath

When estrogen levels decrease, intracellular fluid decreases as well. So, yes your vagina is dry and everything else that is supposed to be (dare I say) moist dries out.

We need salvia to rinse away bacteria and food particles. Menopause mouth allows those bad actors to hang around and party. Specific bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythensis, were found to be important in the etiology of periodontitis in postmenopausal women.

The literature is split on long term benefit of HRT and increasing saliva production. It seems to be beneficial at one year of use but shows no difference at three years of use. I think it’s really important to recognize, it is a real thing. Maybe you need to print this post and leave it on someone’s desk?

What you can do: (other than practice awesome oral hygiene)

When it comes to the bitter taste in your mouth during menopause because of dry mouth, there are a couple of things you can try.

Some women find sucking on ice chips or sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum, is a way to increase saliva production. Others drink more water or consume fewer spicy foods and alcoholic beverages. Another option that might help menopause and dry mouth is to rinse your mouth with water or a mouth rinse after you eat. Using a humidifier, especially at night, can help, too. Breathing through you nose only at night, using tape to keep your mouth closed works. You can also talk to your dental professional about any mouth gels or sprays that can help increase the oral cavity moisture levels.

Sugar free Altoid anyone?