One in Four Women Lose a Tooth During Menopause - Here’s Why (Dentist Explains) | Dr Carlos Melendez

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There’s a quiet shift many women notice in midlife that rarely gets talked about in the doctor’s office, changes in their mouth. Gums that feel more sensitive. Teeth that suddenly seem fragile. Dryness, inflammation, or dental issues that appear despite “doing everything right.”

I sat down with Dr. Carlos Melendez, a general dentist and practice owner, to talk about what really happens to oral health during perimenopause and menopause, and why women are so often left without explanation when changes begin.

Women are frequently told that dental issues are about hygiene alone, or that worsening gum or tooth problems are just “bad luck.” This conversation matters because it reframes oral health as part of whole-body health. When women understand the hormonal and physiological drivers behind these changes, they’re empowered to protect not just their smiles, but their overall health as they age.

We examine how this topic shows up in daily life:
How hormonal shifts in menopause affect gum tissue, bone, and oral inflammation
Why dry mouth becomes more common and why it matters for tooth and gum health
The connection between estrogen loss, bone density, and jawbone health
How chronic inflammation in the mouth can impact whole-body health
Why routine dental changes in midlife deserve deeper evaluation, not dismissal
How preventive dental care needs to evolve during perimenopause and menopause
Why collaboration between medical and dental care is essential for aging well

About Dr. Carlos Melendez:
Dr. Carlos Melendez is a general dentist and practice owner with extensive experience caring for adult patients across all life stages. His work focuses on preventive care, patient education, and understanding how systemic health directly impacts oral health, especially in midlife and beyond.

Connect with Dr. Carlos Melendez:
Website: https://www.nonasmiles.com/
LinkedIn:   / carlos-melendez-473523178  

Timestamps (will update once final draft is available)

00:00:00 Intro
00:03:35 How Menopause Impacts Oral Health and Gum Disease Risk
00:07:22 Hormonal Shifts, Gum Inflammation, and Bleeding Gums Explained
00:10:57 Estrogen Decline: What Happens Inside the Body First
00:14:52 Internal Menopausal Changes That Show Up in the Mouth
00:18:57 Dental Implants, Bone Health, and Menopause Medications
00:26:04 Sleep, Hormones, and Their Hidden Impact on Whole-Body Health
00:31:31 The Overlooked Link Between Menopause and Oral Health
00:34:48 Learning to Listen to Your Body
00:39:19 How Oral Health Reflects Overall Health and Longevity
00:45:34 Warning Signs of Oral Health Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore
00:50:38 Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter

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