Exploring perimenopausal and menopausal women's oral health perceptions and practices in Australia: a qualitative study

Objective: To explore the perceptions and practices of women in peri/menopause towards oral healthcare in Australia. Background: Hormonal changes associated with peri/menopause create a period where women may be more prone to developing oral health problems, which can significantly impact their quality of life. While healthcare providers are capable of addressing women's oral health needs across various life stages, limited evidence exists on the management of oral health by women in peri/menopause and the role of non-dental healthcare providers in promoting oral health. Materials and Methods: Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian women in peri/menopause using maximum variation and snowball sampling. A hybrid thematic analysis was used to construct themes and subthemes. Results: Women who self-identified as being in peri/menopause with an age range of 43–59 years and residing across different Australian states participated in the study. Dry mouth was the most commonly reported oral health issue by participants, followed by tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, gum problems, and bad breath. Participants reported that these oral health problems impacted their mental health, lifestyle, and dietary choices. Barriers such as cost, lack of awareness of the impact of peri/menopause on oral health, systemic illness, carer responsibilities, and limited support from healthcare providers, including dentists, restricted participants in accessing oral healthcare. Women suggested that raising awareness, providing cost-effective dental services, and oral health promotion through their health care providers are needed to overcome the oral health challenges women face in peri/menopause. Conclusion: Women undergoing peri/menopause may experience greater susceptibility to oral health problems and encounter a range of challenges in managing their oral healthcare. These findings underscore the need for clinically informed, patient-centred strategies, including proactive screening, tailored preventive guidance, and improved access to care to support oral health during this transitional stage.