The Hot Flush is a well documented symptom of hormonal fluctuations but did you know that a dry mouth, burning mouth and gum problems are also challenges associated with this time of life. This episode I had a chat with Aromatherapist Claire Ottewell to discover tips and hacks to cool you down in heated moments, protect your oral health and thrive through the menopause transition.
As a lifetime exerciser I know that the benefits of regular exercise are many and varied. But did you know that ”exercise that improves cardiorespiratory fitness reduces self-reported hot flushes? Improvements occur most likely as a result of improved thermoregulatory control in response to increases in core temperature and enhanced vascular function in the skin and brain circulations.
Hormonal fluctuations affect more than our reproductive organs but did you know that they have a strong influence on the oral cavity aka mouth. This literature review undertaken in 2014 by Vanita Suri and Varun Suri highlights the need to appreciate that “hormonal fluctuations affect more than a woman’s reproductive system…and they have a strong influence on the oral cavity.”
Reduced saliva production results in a dry mouth which has many negative health ramifications. Fear not there is much we can do to maintain our oral health the usual measures of good brushing technique, use of flossing, rinses and a toothpaste also take in plenty of fluids to hydrate the mucosa in the mouth.
But if good old H2O is not hitting the spot there are age old remedies on hand and I opt for natural alternatives wherever possible. Plants always seem like a great place to start, so enjoy Claires suggestions for oils and herbs to help us deal with heated moments and improve our oral health.
