Menopause
Menopause can lead to sore gums for a variety of reasons. The primary cause is dry mouth. During menopause, estrogen levels decrease, and the body can no longer produce as much saliva as it once could, creating an environment that allows bacteria to grow more easily in the mouth. This causes inflammation and redness of the gums and could lead to untreated infection.
In addition to hormonal changes, women experience a decrease in estrogen levels as they age. Estrogen protects women from osteoporosis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, but it is also important in protecting against gum problems. Estrogen lowers levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling of tissues. As estrogen levels fall, prostaglandin levels rise, causing sensitive and inflamed gums while increasing pain experienced during brushing or flossing.
