The menopause can affect your mouth. Hormonal changes around the menopause are linked with dry mouth, burning mouth, taste changes and tender gums. Keep brushing with fluoride toothpaste and sip water often. If symptoms last more than two weeks, book a check-up (£67) at our Kenilworth or Stratford-upon-Avon practice.
This guide explains the changes to look out for, what helps at home, and when to see your dentist or your GP.
As a male dentist, I won't pretend to know what the menopause feels like. What I can do is explain what we look for in the mouth, and make it easy to talk about.
Hormonal changes around the menopause are linked with dry mouth, burning mouth, taste changes and tender gums. Some women notice:
Sensitive teeth can follow, for example from a dry mouth or from gums that have shrunk back (gum recession).
Not everyone has these symptoms. Dry mouth, burning and taste changes can also come from other causes, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, reflux, autoimmune conditions, low iron, vitamin B12 or folate, and medicines, which is another reason to see your GP. Some research links lower bone density after the menopause with gum disease, but the evidence is still developing.
Saliva washes away food, neutralises acids and helps repair the earliest stages of decay. With less of it, teeth are more at risk of decay, especially around the gum line and old fillings.
Many medicines can cause a dry mouth, including some antidepressants, antihistamines and blood pressure tablets. The NHS page on dry mouth explains the common causes. Please don't stop any medicine without speaking to your GP or pharmacist.
A burning or sore mouth is more common in women around and after the menopause, but it shouldn't simply be put down to hormones. As well as the causes above, it can come from oral thrush or a poorly fitting denture. Your dentist can check your mouth, and your GP can arrange blood tests if needed.
If your mouth is very dry, your dentist may suggest a higher-fluoride toothpaste or a saliva substitute. If your gums bleed when you brush, our guide to bleeding gums in Kenilworth and Stratford explains what to do.
Book a check-up if a dry, sore or burning mouth, a change in taste or bleeding gums lasts more than two weeks. Please see your dentist or GP sooner if you have:
These signs aren't usually caused by the menopause, but they always need checking. The NHS explains more about mouth cancer symptoms and mouth ulcers.
For hot flushes, sleep, mood and other menopause symptoms, talk to your GP, including about whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is right for you. The NHS menopause pages are a good place to start.
If you take bisphosphonates or other bone-strengthening medicines such as denosumab (Prolia), there's no need to worry. The risk of a jaw problem is very low for most dental treatment. It is a bit higher, though still low, for extractions or implants, so your dentist will plan these carefully. Please don't stop the medicine yourself, and tell your dentist about all the medicines you take.
At Pennington Dental, you will see a dentist for a check-up first. They will ask about your health and medicines, check your teeth, gums, tongue and the rest of your mouth, and talk through any changes you have noticed.
If your gums need more care, your dentist can refer you to our hygienist. Find out more on our dental check-ups page and our dental hygiene page.
These are our current private fees, the same at Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon. A check-up with a dentist comes before a hygienist visit:
To spread the cost of regular check-ups and hygiene visits, see our Pennington plan. You can see every fee on our treatment costs page.
Prices correct at time of publishing (9 November 2026).
Yes, for some women. Dry mouth is linked with hormonal changes around the menopause. It is also a common side effect of many medicines, so mention any medicines you take at your check-up.
Only if you feel comfortable. It helps your dentist look out for changes such as a dry mouth or sensitive gums, and you don't need to go into detail.
There is not enough good evidence yet to say whether HRT helps with a dry mouth or a burning mouth. Your GP can check for other treatable causes first and talk to you about HRT and your menopause symptoms. See your dentist about any changes in your mouth.
Book an appointment online or call Kenilworth on 01926 863 236 or Stratford-upon-Avon on 01789 205 254. You can find directions on our Kenilworth practice page and our Stratford-upon-Avon practice page.
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Reviewed by Dr Fuz, BDS, BSc, MSc (Restorative Dentistry), GDC 76311. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor.
"My son and I have been with Pennington Dental in Kenilworth for a number of years now. They have continually offered an extremely professional service - and I have always felt fully informed and consulted about any work that needs to be done."
If you are looking for a dentist in Kenilworth, or live in the surrounding areas such as Warwick or Leamington Spa there is no better choice
If you are looking for a dentist in Stratford-upon-Avon, or live in the surrounding areas such as Chipping Norton or Shipston-on-Stour there is no better choice
01926 863 236
Pennington Dental Kenilworth
37 High Street
Kenilworth
Warwickshire
CV8 1LY
01789 205 254
Pennington Dental Stratford
Suite A, Elta House
Birmingham Road
Stratford-upon-Avon
CV37 0AQ
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This website was last updated on 02.02.2022 at 16:05
