Why Your Mouth Suddenly Feels Dry After 40 (It’s Not What You Think)

Learn more about the Rediscover You Program here: https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/16-week-rediscover-you-program/

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/

Leave a Voice Note Have a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode. 🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.com

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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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