Natural Health: I'm perimenopausal and have gum disease 

Pic: iStock

My dentist says I have gum disease, which came as a shock as I take great care of my teeth. I’m also peri-menopausal, which leaves me feeling tired most of the time. What can I do?

Most information about menopausal changes tends to focus on hot flushes or night sweats and mood swings when a wide range of surprising symptoms, including gum disease, are associated with this significant hormonal shift.

Cold flushes can happen in isolation or following a hot flush. Dry, gritty eyes are another issue related to oestrogen and testosterone levels. 

Brittle and ridged nails are common during perimenopause and post-menopause (this is best addressed using a combination of biotin and keratin supplements daily).

Heart palpitations can be another symptom. They can also be accompanied by a coughing urge and dizzy spells and last for a few seconds up to a couple of minutes. 

If you are concerned about irregular heartbeats or if they are accompanied by chest pain, please seek medical help.

Itching or crawling skin is a low-oestrogen symptom linked to dry and thinning skin all over the body. Tinnitus is another surprising perimenopause symptom exacerbated by increased stress levels, anxiety, and depression.

Burning mouth can feel as if your tongue, lips, palate, cheeks, and gums are burning (similar to burning your mouth with food or drink that is too hot).

Oestrogen is crucial to the healthy function of the mucous membranes inside the mouth and gum health. 

As your main issues are gum health and fatigue, I suggest you take a vitamin D3 supplement. It helps to support your gums and is crucial for immune health, energy levels, heart health, mood balance, thyroid balance, and bone density.

Most adults require at least 4,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily through supplementation; however, it is wise to have your levels tested first. A 4,000-6,000 daily dose is standard for most individuals who require a D3 supplement.

A few simple home remedies are worth their weight in gold to address the immediate issue of gum disease. Salt has long been used as a natural agent to treat infection and has been shown in studies to help as part of a protocol to treat gum disease or gingivitis.

Stir a quarter teaspoon of salt (Celtic, Himalayan, or natural sea salt) into a glass of warm water (about 200ml). Once the salt is dissolved, use it as with any mouthwash to swish thoroughly, gargle if necessary, and spit out the excess. Repeat two to three times daily for the best benefits.

For a deeper clean, try a monthly rinse with a 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution in the same manner as the salt rinse.

You can use this either directly or dilute it by half with water. Hydrogen peroxide not only helps with bacterial balance but also prevents plaque build-up. 

Humans naturally produce it to counteract unwanted bacteria, yeasts, and viruses. It is also essential in metabolising protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins.

Aloe vera juice helps reduce inflammation of the delicate mucous membranes and gums and prevent plaque formation. 

The suggested dose of pure aloe juice is around 15-20ml daily, and it should be swallowed rather than swished since it is beneficial for gut health and inflammation throughout the body. A somewhat surprising natural remedy for oral health is raspberry leaf tea (Rubus idaeus). 

Usually associated with the final trimester of pregnancy, it can help to heal mouth ulcers since it is a highly bioavailable form of calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and E.

• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.