Correlation of Anemia, Xerostomia and its Association with Candidial Colonization among Postmenopausal Women of Different Socioeconomic Status in Patients Attending Dental School in South India

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground and objectivesMenopause is a physiological state that gives rise to adaptive changes at both oral and systemic level. One of the major problems in these patients is burning mouth syndrome though no appreciable organic lesions are present. Xerostomia is another frequent symptom seen in menopause. The present study was undertaken to correlate between possible oral complications – xerostomia, anemia, and candidal colonization among postmenopausal women of different socioeconomic statuses. With this background the present study was undertaken to correlate between possible oral complications – xerostomia, anemia, and candidal colonization among postmenopausal women of different socioeconomic statuses.Materials and methodsAfter obtaining explained and informed consent, 40 females subjects with age range from 40 to 80 years attending outpatient department of our dental school were included in the study. A specially designed proforma was used to record demographic details and annual percapita income. A structured questionnaire was used for assessing clinical subjective symptoms of xerostomia. Hemoglobin estimation was done by cyanomethemoglobin method. Saliva sampling for estimation of colony forming units was performed using oral rinse technique.ResultsTotal sample of 40 subjects anemia was prevalent in 57.5%. Xerostomia was prevalent in 75% of total sample. Association between anemia and xerostomia status showed a significant positive correlation (p = 0.04) between anemia and xerostomia. Correlation between socioeconomic status with the variables (xerostomia score and candidal counts) showed no significant positive correlation.ConclusionDental practitioners need to be aware about menopause and its oral manifestations as a possible risk factor for various oral health problems. Oral physicians should be vigilant and encourage postmenopausal women to seek appropriate oral healthcare which in turn improves systemic health.How to cite this articleKotha R, Sudhakarareddy R, Alapati S. Correlation of Anemia, Xerostomia and its Association with Candidial Colonization among Postmenopausal Women of Different Socioeconomic Status in Patients Attending Dental School in South India. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2014;3(1):33-36.