Estrogen therapy has already been credited with helping women manage an array of menopause-related issues, including reducing hot flashes, improving heart health and bone density, and maintaining levels of sexual satisfaction. Now a new study suggests that the same estrogen therapy used to treat osteoporosis can actually lead to healthier teeth and gums. 
As estrogen levels fall during menopause, women become more vulnerable to numerous health issues, including loss of bone mineral density that can lead to osteoporosis. Around the same time, changes in oral health also are common as teeth and gums become more susceptible to disease, which can lead to inflammation, pain, bleeding, and eventually loose or missing teeth.
492 postmenopausal Brazilian women aged 50 to 87 years, 113 in osteoporosis treatment and 379 not treated, were evaluated to determine whether osteoporosis treatment could help increase the bone mineral density in their jaws and, subsequently, improve overall oral health. The study found that the rate of occurrence of severe periodontitis was 44% lower in the postmenopausal osteoporosis-treatment group than in the untreated group. Treatment consisted of systemic estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin, as well as calcium and vitamin D supplements, for a minimum of six months.
Osteoporosis can occur throughout the body, including the jaw, and lead to an increased risk of periodontal disease. This study demonstrates that estrogen therapy, which has proven to be effective in preventing bone loss, may also prevent the worsening of tooth and gum disease. All women, but especially those with low estrogen or on bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis, should make good dental care a part of their healthy lifestyles.
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39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com
A: There are at least three main methods people use to have their teeth whitened. There are over-the-counter methods available in most pharmacies. There are methods that are done entirely within the dental office. Lastly, there are methods that involve having trays fitted by a dentist that are then worn at home. Over-the-counter methods are the least expensive. They do work to a certain extent but tend to take longer and their “one size fits all” feature doesn’t work for everyone. Methods that are done entirely within the dental office and those involving custom-made trays by the dentist that are then worn at home both are more likely to brighten teeth more quickly and effectively. We choose to fabricate trays in our office for one major reason. All bleaching eventually fades and then requires whitening again to regain that brighter smile. With “in-office only” methods, they need to be done entirely over at full fee and that fee is typically higher than the custom tray method. With the custom tray method, when whitening is needed again since you still have the trays, the only expense with subsequent treatments is to purchase the tubes of bleach. That cost is minimal compared to starting all over again. Many of our patients choose the start of a new year as the perfect time to whiten their teeth.
People with Alzheimer’s disease may need some help with basic grooming and dressing tasks, including taking care of their teeth and mouth. As a caregiver, you can help!