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Understanding Women’s Oral Health During Menopause

Recent findings from Delta Dental Insurance Company emphasize a pressing need for menopause-specific dental benefits for women aged 40 and above. According to their 2025 Oral Health and Menopause Report, a staggering 68% of women in this demographic expressed interest in discussing the connection between menopause and oral health with their dentists, provided they had access to tailored dental benefits.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

One appealing insight from the survey reveals that, alarmingly, 83% of women over 40 are not aware of any oral health symptoms associated with menopause, despite many likely experiencing them. Symptoms such as dry mouth, changes in taste, and increased tooth sensitivity can arise during this period, creating challenges that many women are unaware of. Furthermore, about 40% of the respondents reported heightened instances of dry mouth, while 27% noted acute tooth sensitivity. The lack of awareness paired with an increasing prevalence of these symptoms emphasizes the need for preventive care aimed at this population.

Efforts to address these concerns through preventive services such as additional dental cleanings could be crucial for managing menopause-related symptoms. The survey revealed that 82% of women would be open to scheduling extra dental cleanings if covered by insurance. This indicates a willingness among women to prioritize their oral health when appropriate benefits are offered.

Increasing Conversations in Dentistry

An encouraging trend is emerging among dental professionals. Delta Dental's study indicates growth in dentist willingness to discuss menopause and its impact on oral health. Compared to last year, 55% of dentists reported a greater openness to initiating such discussions. The positive momentum is spurred by survey findings that show 81% of dentists would feel more inclined to engage in these conversations if menopause-specific benefits were available. Moreover, shared medical record data access further motivates dentists to discuss menopause-related health proactively.

As Dr. Daniel Croley, Delta Dental’s Chief Dental Officer noted, “When providers are armed with the right support and resources, we can dramatically enhance the oral health experience for women during menopause.”

Next Stage™ Women’s Health Program

In response to these findings, Delta Dental has announced the upcoming launch of the Next Stage™ Women’s Health program, set to debut in early 2026. This initiative will deliver comprehensive, holistic solutions targeting oral health conditions associated with menopause, pregnancy, and other hormonal changes that affect women. Key features of this program will include additional cleanings, extra exams and X-rays, and specialized periodontal treatments.

Delta Dental will also form strategic alliances with organizations like Midi Health, a notable virtual care clinic focusing on women facing perimenopause and menopause, to provide specialized telehealth services. This partnership aims to furnish patients with educational resources and insights into the critical connection between oral health and menopause. Furthermore, Delta Dental is collaborating with Embr Labs to provide a wearable device that helps manage symptoms like hot flashes.

Holistic Care and Increased Engagement

The survey's insights highlight a growing desire among women for integrated care that encompasses all their healthcare providers. Notably, women are more inclined to set dental appointments if their primary care or OB-GYN discussed the implications of menopause on oral health. With 78% of peri-menopausal women affirming this sentiment, it’s clear that they seek comprehensive support to help navigate this life stage effectively.

There exists a notable disconnect between the awareness of menopause-related symptoms and the resources available to address them, with 45% of women reporting that such symptoms negatively impacted their confidence and general mood. Delta Dental’s Next Stage™ Women’s Health program is poised to alleviate these challenges, facilitating the critical conversations that must take place between patients and providers.

Conclusion

Delta Dental’s commitment to fostering better oral health in women aged 40 and above demonstrates a recognition of the specific needs encountered during menopause. With the proactive approach being taken - both by the dental community and through the introduction of tailored programs - there is optimism that women's health concerns will receive the attention they rightfully deserve. As discussions around oral health and menopause continue to evolve, creating support systems will undoubtedly enhance the well-being of countless women navigating these pivotal life transitions. For further details, interested individuals can visit deltadentalins.com/menopause-oral-health.