Dental benefits are the key to comprehensive menopause care

• Key Insight: Learn why menopause-specific dental benefits are emerging as strategic workforce health investments.
• Expert Quote: Chavarria — closing the benefits gap enables proactive oral care, improved outcomes, and workforce support.
• Supporting Data: 83% of women over 40 report being unaware of menopause-related oral symptoms.
• Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review

Menopause is more than hot flashes and fatigue, it could also adversely impact women's oral health.  

Eighty-three percent of women over 40 say they are not aware of any oral health symptoms brought on by menopause, according to a recent survey released by insurance provider Delta Dental Insurance Company. Yet, many are unknowingly experiencing them. Adding more comprehensive dental benefits could be the next step in making menopause care successful. 

"Women are ready to take proactive steps to protect their oral health," says Sarah Chavarria, CEO and president of Delta Dental Insurance Company. "But they need their benefits to help them do so." 

A little-known health issue

Menopause can have a surprisingly significant impact on oral health for women, specifically because of the hormonal fluctuations women experience resulting in what's referred to as "menopause mouth." Estrogen helps maintain healthy tissues throughout the body, including the mouth, making oral care a critical priority as women age. 

Read more: Cut through the menopause noise with better benefits

Delta Dental's findings revealed that in recent months, 40% of menopausal women have noticed increased dry mouth, 27% reported heightened tooth sensitivity, 26% have experienced changes to taste and 22% have had tooth decay and loss. 

However, 30% of women struggle to find the tools and resources they need to address menopause-related oral health concerns — though not for lack of trying. Eighty-two percent of women say they would be more likely to schedule additional dental cleanings to combat these symptoms if covered by insurance, and 71% would feel more comfortable asking their dentist for menopause-related oral health information if their dental insurance provided benefits like extra cleanings. 

"For the greater conversation about menopause, these findings are transformative," Chavarria says. "They show us that the barrier isn't a lack of interest or motivation, it's a lack of infrastructure and support. When we close that gap with menopause-specific dental benefits, we're opening the door to proactive conversations, better health outcomes and a healthcare system that meets women where they are." 

Tackling every aspect of women's health

To help bridge the divide, Delta Dental will be launching their Next Stage women's health program in 2026. The initiative, which is geared towards the organizations they work with, aims to address the specific oral health needs of women at various life stages, including pregnancy and menopause. The program will combine dental benefits like additional cleanings, exams, x-rays and specialized procedures, with virtual health services that provide education resources.  

Read more: The ROI of supporting women through menopause

"Menopause isn't just a healthcare issue — it's also a workforce issue," Chavarria says. "When we ignore the oral health component of menopause, we're leaving a critical care gap that affects women's health, productivity and overall well-being." 

Without proper support, women may experience worsening oral health issues that can lead to more serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other systemic health issues. This could potentially not only contribute to long-term health problems that will be more costly and time-consuming to treat down the line, but it could stunt recruiting and retention strategies. 

"Offering comprehensive benefits that include menopause-specific dental care sends a powerful message that you value your female employees and understand their unique health challenges," Chavarria says. "Companies that fail to expand their view risk losing talented women to employers who do."