Why Your Mouth Suddenly Feels Dry After 40 (It’s Not What You Think)
Menopause is often discussed in terms of hot flushes, sleep disruption, and mood changes. But hormonal shifts affect far more than we realise. And one area that is rarely talked about is oral health.
Many women entering perimenopause or menopause begin noticing symptoms that seem unrelated at first: a dry mouth that doesn’t improve with water, increased tooth sensitivity, jaw clenching, headaches, or even a burning sensation on the tongue.
In this episode of All About You, Dr Shauna Watts speaks with expert dentist Dr Martina Lavery, who specialises in the connection between oral health and whole-body health.
Together they unpack how hormonal changes influence the mouth, jaw, teeth and facial structure during midlife.
Dr Martina also shares practical strategies to help manage common issues including jaw tension, mouth dryness, and dental crowding that can develop later in life.
If you’ve ever woken up with a tight jaw, experienced unexplained mouth discomfort, or noticed changes in your smile during midlife, this episode will help connect the dots between hormones, oral health, and overall wellbeing.
Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:
🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/
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Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.
Chapters
01:08 Why So Many People Fear the Dentist
03:31 - How Hormones Change Oral Health in Menopause
05:10 - Why Dry Mouth Happens in Midlife
07:11 - Why Saliva Protects Your Teeth
11:03 - The Oral Microbiome and Menopause
13:20 - Burning Tongue Syndrome Explained
15:26 - Jaw Clenching, Teeth Grinding and Headaches
20:05 - How to Relax Your Jaw and Reduce Clenching
32:20 - How Teeth Influence Facial Aging
40:12 - Dangerous Dental Trends on Social Media
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