Remember, dental health is not just about your mouth hygiene. So, floss for your teeth and neurons; brush for your gums and memory. — TNS
We often say that the eyes are the window to the soul, but the mouth may be the mirror of a woman’s health.
Oral health is far more than a matter of teeth.
It is a reflection of the body’s overall state, and increasingly, research shows that it is deeply connected to two of the most significant challenges in women’s lives: menopause and Alzheimer’s disease.
From bone loss in menopause to the creeping risk of Alzheimer’s that disproportionately affects women, what happens in the gums and teeth reflects much more than oral hygiene.
For Malaysian women, the state of their mouth could shape how they age, how they eat, and even how they remember.
Hormones and the mouth
Most women are familiar with the classic symptoms of menopause: hot flushes, mood swings and thinning bones.
What is less well-known is that hormonal changes also alter the oral landscape.
Falling levels of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone can bring:
> Dry mouth (xerostomia): Saliva flow decreases, reducing natural protection against decay and infection.
> Burning mouth syndrome: A persistent sensation of burning or tingling in the tongue or lips.
> Gum disease: Reduced oestrogen weakens gum tissue and the jawbone, raising the risk of tooth loss.
> Altered taste: Some women report metallic or bitter flavours that affect appetite and enjoyment.
These oral changes are not just inconveniences, but can have serious consequences.
Approximately 94% of Malaysian adults suffer from some form of gum disease.
Gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular (heart) disease, osteoporosis, and even certain cancers.
Post-menopausal women face greater severity due to hormonal shifts.
In addition, only 15.6% of oral cancer cases in Malaysia are detected at an early stage.
For a woman already navigating the physical and emotional changes of menopause, oral health problems can add another layer of difficulty, impacting nutrition, confidence and overall quality of life.
Regular dental check-ups can help catch not just problems with your teeth and gums, but also issues with other parts of your body. — Filepic
The brain–mouth connection
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.
It steals memory, alters behaviour and slowly erodes independence.
Globally, women make up nearly two-thirds of all Alzheimer’s cases.
While ageing and genetics remain major risk factors, researchers are uncovering a surprising player in brain health: oral health.
Once believed to affect only teeth and gums, gum disease and tooth loss are now being tied to how the brain ages.
In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognises oral health as a cornerstone of general well-being and warns that untreated gum disease can contribute to several non-communicable diseases, including dementia.
A 2023 meta-analysis in the medical journal Frontiers in Neurology found that people with significant tooth loss have a 15-20% higher risk of developing dementia.
Scientists suggest several culprits, including chronic inflammation, loss of chewing stimulation, and even oral bacteria that may travel from the mouth to the brain.
In a 2022 study in the medical journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, researchers showed that Fusobacterium nucleatum, a common gum-disease bacterium, can worsen Alzheimer’s-like changes in animal studies, triggering inflammation, amyloid build-up and memory decline.
Other common mouth microbes, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, have even been found in human Alzheimer’s brain tissue, strengthening this biological link.
Chronic gum disease, or periodontitis, is more than a local infection.
When gums are inflamed, bacteria like P. gingivalis can enter the bloodstream.
Along with inflammatory molecules, they may travel to distant organs, including the brain.
A landmark 2019 study in the journal Science Advances detected DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and toxic enzymes from P. gingivalis inside the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
These bacterial traces appeared capable of damaging brain cells and triggering immune responses that accelerate neurodegeneration.
Alzheimer’s is marked by chronic inflammation in the brain.
Gum disease also fuels systemic inflammation, raising levels of markers such as C-reactive protein and interleukins.
Over time, this inflammatory “background noise” may accelerate cognitive decline.
As one researcher put it: “Chronic gum disease may silently raise the risk of memory loss decades later.”
What women can do
Women already face a higher lifetime risk of Alzheimer’s disease, influenced by longevity, hormonal changes and genetic factors.
Combine that with gum disease and the inflammatory burden on the brain grows heavier.
For women in midlife, this may set the stage for cognitive changes years later.
After menopause, the natural anti-inflammatory effects of oestrogen decline.
As oestrogen levels decline, gum disease may further exacerbate the balance toward brain vulnerability.
While scientists have not yet proven that gum disease causes Alzheimer’s, the evidence is strong enough to act on.
Good oral health may help reduce chronic inflammation, preserve chewing function, and support better brain health over time.
Keeping your gums healthy isn’t just about a confident smile; it could help protect your memory.
Practical steps include:
> Go for regular dental check-ups: Twice a year, or more frequently, if you have gum issues.
> Practise daily care: Brush twice a day with the nano-hydroxyapatite or fluoride toothpaste; floss or use interdental brushes.
> Eat for health: Calcium, vitamin D, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids support both gums and the brain.
> Address menopause symptoms: Discuss dry mouth or burning sensations with a doctor; treatment options include saliva substitutes or hormone therapy.
> Stay active and connected: Exercise, social engagement and mental stimulation lower the risk of dementia and encourage consistent self-care.
> Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Both increase risks of gum disease, bone loss and dementia.
A call for integrated care
Dentists, gynaecologists and neurologists may work in separate spheres, but women’s health would benefit if these disciplines came together.
Menopause and memory loss are often treated as isolated concerns, yet both share important connections with oral health.
Women navigating menopause or concerned about memory changes deserve integrated care that includes oral health as part of the bigger picture.
Women deserve a more holistic approach that recognises these links.
In Malaysia, progress requires more than treating symptoms.
It calls for public education campaigns, easier access to screening in dental centres, and special training for dental professionals to spot menopause-related oral changes and early signs that may signal cognitive decline.
Breaking down silos between medical and dental care would give women the holistic support they need as they age.
Malaysia’s National Oral Health Plan (2022–2030) highlights older women as a vulnerable group who need tailored strategies for prevention and care.
Oral health is not just cosmetic.
It is woven into women’s journeys through menopause, ageing, and even brain health.
Gum disease may not directly cause Alzheimer’s or menopausal symptoms, but it magnifies risks and burdens.
A healthy mouth supports stronger bones, sharper minds and greater confidence.
It is both shield and companion through life’s stages.
So, the next time you think of menopause or memory loss, think of the toothbrush, too.
Because protecting your smile may also help protect your memory.
Dr Mumtaj Nisah Abd Rahim is a consultant orthodontist. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
