Evaluation of the consequences of menopause on women with respect to salivary flow rate, gustatory function, and pH

Abstract

Context: Saliva is considered a predictive gateway to the body. Alterations in salivary secretion can be assessed quantitatively and/or qualitatively. Thus, estimation of salivary components may give insight to the general health of an individual and be considered the mirror of the body's health. The health needs of women vary mainly due to hormonal fluctuations occurring throughout the woman's life. Hence, the “menstruation cycle and menopause” may affect the metabolism of periodontal tissue including swollen salivary glands, bright red swollen gums, or bleeding gums or might cause alterations in the flow rate of saliva, its pH, as well as taste function. Due to menopause, there are unique hormonal changes in women and they are more receptive to salivary alterations, such as sensitivity to hot and cold food, altered taste, burning sensation, and reduced flow rate of saliva that lead to xerostomia and atrophic gingivitis also. Aim: This research project is designed for the evaluation of “salivary flow rate,” gustatory perception, and “pH” of resting saliva in premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women. Subjects and Methods: The evaluation of salivary flow rate, gustatory perception, and salivary pH was carried out in a total of 105 women, each 35 from, the premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal categories. Results: The present study observed significant alterations of reduced salivary flow rate, reduced sweet intensity, and pH in postmenopausal women than the menstruating women. Conclusion: Menopause is followed by a variety of alterations, few of which occur in the mouth. The use of salivary flow rate, gustatory perception, and pH is helpful to identify the risks linked with menopause.