Menopause can bring oral health problems that physicians ought to keep in mind. The same processes that lead to loss of bone in the spine and hips can also lead to loss of the alveolar bone of the jaws, resulting in periodontal disease, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Although the mouth is traditionally the dentist’s responsibility, patients may need encouragement from their physicians to practice good oral hygiene and to see their dentists, and should be referred to a periodontist at the first sign of periodontal disease.
Moreover, bisphosphonates, the class of drugs most often prescribed for osteoporosis, have been linked by case reports (unfairly, we believe) to osteonecrosis of the jaw. This low-evidence-level information, its far-reaching interpretation, and misinformation in the lay media about hormonal changes associated with menopause have led to confusion among women; for clarification and reliable information, they are driven to ask their physicians challenging questions related to oral health.
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