Biological Dentistry: Why Oral Health Is Especially Important Right Now

Hello to all women in transition!

Do you know the feeling? You're in the midst of perimenopause, your mood is fluctuating, and your energy is low. And suddenly, your gums are causing problems too? That's no coincidence! Digestion actually begins in the mouth, and especially during the hormonal roller coaster of perimenopause, our oral health plays a big role in our overall well-being.

Digestion doesn't just start in the stomach, but already in the oral cavity.Your teeth crush food, while enzymes in your saliva already begin pre-digestion.

One of these is alpha-amylase – an enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates like starch into smaller sugar components. This ensures that your body can utilize them more easily later. That's why well-chewed starchy foods sometimes taste slightly sweet – digestion has already begun!

From my practice: Many of my patients in perimenopause only realize with me that their dental problems started at the same time as other menopausal symptoms. This is no coincidence!

If your teeth or gums are causing problems now, it can disrupt the entire digestive chain – and believe me, you'll feel it!

Billions of bacteria swarm in your mouth – don't worry, most are beneficial! They form your oral microbiome, which is closely linked to your gut microbiome. Think of them as twin siblings who are constantly chatting with each other.

During perimenopause, this balance is often disrupted. The reason is hormonal fluctuations! These can lead to a sudden dominance of "bad" bacteria, which not only cause cavities but can also fuel inflammation throughout the body.

Your mouth has its own pH level, and it's going haywire right now. Due to hormonal fluctuations, it often becomes more acidic – a feast for nasty bacteria that attack your tooth enamel.

Do you know that feeling when your mouth is constantly dry? This is because less saliva is often produced during perimenopause. Less saliva means less natural cleaning and a more acidic environment – a real challenge for your dental health!

Honestly: Have you been experiencing gum bleeding more often when brushing your teeth lately? Or do you feel that your gums have become more sensitive? This could be related to your hormonal changes!

During perimenopause, estrogen levels drop – and often with it, saliva production.

This is problematic because saliva is your natural protective barrier: It washes away bacteria, neutralizes acids, and protects your gums. When it's lacking, your risk increases for:

These changes often go unnoticed – after all, most eyes are focused on obvious symptoms such as hot flashes or sleep disturbances. But what if your oral microbiome gets out of balance?

Cavities and inflammation can shift the pH value in your mouth into the acidic range. However, alpha-amylase – the enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates during chewing – works best at a slightly alkaline pH value of 6.5–7.4. An unbalanced pH value can therefore impair your entire digestion. Inflammation or pain in the mouth area makes chewing uncomfortable. This leads to less thorough chewing, which further reduces saliva production – a vicious circle that hinders pre-digestion.

Even more critically: Your mouth and gut are so connected that inflammation in the oral cavity can stress your immune system and affect your gut flora – with consequences for your overall well-being.

Your mouth is the starting point of your digestion – if something gets out of balance here, it can have far-reaching consequences. Time to pay more attention to it!

During perimenopause, your body needs a lot of support – and it starts on your plate. Your diet can positively influence not only your oral health, but also your metabolism, hormonal system, and overall well-being.

Why sugar is not a good idea now:
Even if cravings can be stronger during this phase, it is worth avoiding sugary foods.

Sugar is the perfect breeding ground for problematic bacteria in your mouth and can simultaneously promote inflammation, destabilize blood sugar levels, and amplify hormonal fluctuations.

Especially during perimenopause, you should pay attention to these dietary elements:

• Fiber-rich diet – supports your gut flora and thus indirectly also your oral health

• Healthy fats – help absorb fat-soluble vitamins and support your hormonal balance

• Sufficient protein – provides essential building blocks for muscles, skin, and regeneration

• Fresh vegetables & fruits – important vitamins and antioxidants, but in moderation due to fructose

• Enough water
  – stimulates saliva production, which often decreases during perimenopause

If you pay attention to a varied, low-sugar diet, not only will your oral health benefit, but you will also support your metabolism – and this can alleviate other menopausal symptoms!

Biological dentistry recognizes the connection between oral health and the rest of your body. Especially now during perimenopause, it's worth paying special attention to this interplay.

My most important tips:

• Get your teeth checked regularly – especially now!

• Maintain thorough but gentle oral hygiene

• Try a xylitol-containing toothpaste – helps against bad bacteria

• Eat mindfully and tooth-friendly

• Talk to your dentist about perimenopause – yes, it's part of it!

Your teeth and your gut will thank you – and you'll be surprised how much your overall well-being can improve if you keep this often overlooked aspect of perimenopause in mind!