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How to talk to your dentist about menopause

Including an email template you can send to your dentist

Use this email template to talk to your dentist about menopause

Fact: Only 2% of women claim to have discussed menopause with their dentist. While many women will experience this completely normal biological transition, many will find it difficult to talk about.

Additionally, according to a  recent survey performed by Delta Dental, 93% of women 40+ shared it would be helpful to receive tailored advice on managing their oral health during menopause at their dental visits.

To help you get the conversation started, we’ve created an email template you can use to talk to your dentist about menopause to help you advocate for your oral health.

Cut and paste the following email to share with your dentist:

Dear Dr. [dentist’s name],

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to request an update to my dental records to reflect my current health status. I recently learned that gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, and other oral health issues can increase during menopause. Since I am currently experiencing menopause, I kindly request this update to ensure the best possible dental care during this stage of my life. At my future exams, please ask me about any symptoms or changes that I may be experiencing in my oral health as a result of ongoing hormonal changes.

I am looking forward to learning more about how to take care of my oral health and what to expect during this stage of my life. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

When to talk to your dentist about menopause

You've probably heard about the classic menopause symptoms—hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
Some less well-known symptoms include dry mouth, burning mouth, gum disease, and even tooth loosening. These can all be signs that menopause is affecting your oral health which makes talking to your dentist about menopause essential.
 

So why’s it so hard to talk about it?

 Conversations about hormones and dental health can feel awkward, especially if you’re seeing a male dentist. Unfortunately, ignoring these issues won't make them go away. In fact, they can get worse over time. So, it's important to open up to your dentist about what you’re experiencing. However, It might be helpful to know that 84% of dentists say they are comfortable discussing the impact of menopause on oral health with their female patients 40 and older.

How to start the conversation

During your next visit, write down a few questions or concerns you might have for your dentist. It helps to write them down because people have a tendency to freeze or forget their questions when asked. 

Here are specific questions you can ask to get the conversation started:

  • "Are there any specific symptoms related to menopause that I should watch out for?"
  • “What can I do to manage dry mouth caused by menopause?”
  • “Are there specific dental products that can help with menopause-related symptoms?”
  • “Should I change my oral hygiene routine due to menopause?"
  • "How can I reduce discomfort from burning mouth syndrome?"


Remember, menopause is a common experience. Start the conversation with your dentist. Not only will you feel better, but you’ll become more comfortable talking about it in the future.  Learn more about dental health and menopause.

Last updated September 18, 2024

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The oral health information on this website is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed dentist or other qualified health care professional for any questions concerning your oral health.