Effect of Saliva in oral health of post menopausal women

Abstract

The menopause is physiological changes in women that give rise to adaptive changes at both systemic and oral level. As we all begin to reach an older age, dental health and hygiene becomes a major concern. The dentist is often the first person to appreciate numerous changes that are experienced throughout the body during menopause. Oral discomfort is found in many menopausal women in addition to general climacteric complaints. The principal pre-and post-menopausal oral symptoms are dry mouth, sensation of painful mouth (PM) due to various causes and less frequently burning mouth syndrome Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of menopause on saliva and dental health. The pH and oral and hygiene status were determined in regularly menstruating and postmenopausal women who are not on hormone replacement treatment. Materials and methods: The study was performed on 25 healthy post-menopausal women patients and 25 healthy non menopausal women selected from patients who attended the out patients section of Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals. The patients were asked to relax and pool their saliva and then was collected in graduated test tube. The pH was measured using litmus paper. Oral Hygiene Index and Russel's periodontal index was clinically measured