text: Menopause is a time of great change. You're probably prepared for certain changes -- such as weight gain, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness -- as these are commonly discussed by women and health publications. But there's another part of your body that's going to go through some changes as your hormone levels adjust: your mouth. As you approach menopause, being aware of the oral health issues that often occur in menopausal women will keep you from being alarmed and will also ensure you take proper measures to address any problems you experience.
  The decrease in estrogen levels that occurs during menopause affects all of the moisture-secreting glands in your body, including your salivary glands. As you enter menopause, your saliva production will decrease, and you'll likely begin to experience dry mouth. Symptoms of dry mouth include cracking lips, a cottony feeling in the mouth, and an inability to eat drier foods (like pretzels and crackers) without sipping a drink at the same time.
  Dry mouth is annoying, but it's also a danger to your teeth and gums. Oral bacteria thrive in a dry mouth, causing accelerated tooth decay and gum disease. For this reason, it is important to see your dentist if you begin noticing dry mouth symptoms. Your dentist may prescribe a rinse, like Biotene, that will help boost saliva production and keep your mouth moist. You can also sip water throughout the day or chew sugar-free gum regularly to help keep your mouth moist. Avoiding smoking and limiting your caffeine intake should help, too.
  Gum disease can occur even in the absence of dry mouth. As you go through menopause, your epithelial tissues, including those in your gums, become more delicate. This means they're more prone to bacterial infection. If you notice the following symptoms, it's time to talk to kick your oral hygiene routine into high gear in an effort to beat gum disease:
  If your symptoms don't improve within a week or two of brushing twice a day, flossing thoroughly, and using an antiseptic mouth rinse, visit your dentist. He or she can prescribe an antibiotic and perform a thorough, professional cleaning to get your gum disease under control. You may also need to see your dentist more often for professional cleanings to keep gum disease at bay throughout menopause.
  Tooth decay usually occurs when you've suffered from dry mouth or gum disease for a while but have not been successful in managing it. It's caused by the same oral bacteria that cause gum disease. You don't always experience any tooth decay symptoms until the condition is severe, which is why it's so important to see your dentist for regular checkups when you're entering menopause. If you notice these signs of tooth decay, make an appointment as soon as possible:
  Many women don't experience burning mouth syndrome, but for those who do, it can be pretty alarming if they have no idea it's a normal side effect of menopause. You'll feel a burning sensation in your mouth -- similar to that which occurs when you eat very spicy food. Some women only notice symptoms at night. Others notice them after eating or after eating certain foods.
  Burning mouth syndrome can be quite unpleasant, but thankfully, there are numerous treatments that you and your dentist can try in order to get it under control. Antidepressents including SSRIs are effective for many patients. Others experience success with oral lidocaine, acupuncture, or topical capsaicin. You may have to try a few treatments before you find one that works.
  Hormone replacement therapy will help keep all of these oral menopause symptoms under control. If you're really struggling with your oral health as you enter menopause, this might be a reason to talk to a dentist, such as those at Northwest Dental Services and Implant Center, and a physician about the pros and cons of hormone replacement and whether it is right for you.
  The big news story from a couple of years back was when the lost treasures of the Grand Duchess Vladimir, Maria Pavlovna the Older, and her husband, His Imperial Highness Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich, the son of Tsar Alexander II and brother of Alexander III, were found in Stockholm. The Duchess had sent them to Sweden during the revolution, to protect some of her and her husband's assets, but after she died in 1920, the treasures seemed to have been forgotten. Several pillowcases with the Grand Duchess's handwriting were found, and inside of each was a treasure trove of cigarette cases, cufflinks, Faberge baubles and more. They were discovered in 2009 in a safe at the Swedish legation. They had been sent to Sweden in November 1918, the month Sweden broke diplomatic ties with the revolutionary government. They were auctioned off in 2009 by Sotheby's auction house. The money from the sale went to restoring the Grand Duchess's childhood home in Russia, and on a memorial for the Duchess.
  These are just some of the treasures that I found most beautiful; I will post some more in subsequent posts. You can also view the auction results here.
  A Faberge nephrite cigarette case with jeweled two-color gold mounts, by workmaster Michael Perchin, St. Petersburg, circa 1890.
  A Faberge wood cigarette case with silver-gilt mounts, by workmaster Michael Perchin, St. Petersburg, circa 1895.