Menopause and the oral cavity: an oral hygiene update in Indonesia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Menopause is cessation of menstrual period due to reduced estrogen and progesterone level. Menopause is diagnosed when a woman stops menstruating for at least 1 year. After menopause, women are more susceptible to periodontal diseases. Menopausal women complaining dry mouth should first of all determine salivary gland functions. Adequate salivary function should still maintain oral health. A complete history should be taken in cases of a burning mouth in post-menopausal women, several underlying causes may include psychological disorders, blood glucose, thyroid, and nutritional deficiency associated systemic disorders, and use of ACE inhibitors. In the absence of oral abnormalities, an alternate diagnosis may be Burning Mouth Syndrome. This review gives a general view on cases treated in Indonesia in which such conditions are treated based on the Indonesian Menopause Society (PERMI) guidelines for dental and oral disorders. The Indonesian national consensus concerning this matter necessitates the use of Hormonal therapy after taking a complete history, performing a physical examination, and obtaining patient informed consents. Although usually the domain of dentists, inter specialist cooperation should be encouraged.