Oral Health and Salivary pH Changes in Menopausal Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Menopause is a natural process in life of women often associated with hormonal changes. It affects oral health by influencing the growth of bacteria and plaque, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Menopause can alter salivary pH by reducing estrogen levels, which may lead to dry mouth, inflammation, and increased risk of infections. Therefore, it is important for women in menopause to monitor their salivary pH and maintain good oral hygiene habits. However, there is contradictory evidence about the level of salivary pH and oral symptoms. The present study was carried out to assess the oral findings and salivary pH in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods: The study was carried out on 60 patients who reported to the Department of oral medicine and radiology and were divided into two groups consisting of 30 patients each. Group 1: premenopausal women with no known systemic illness and deleterious habits. Group 2: postmenopausal women. Results: Salivary pH is higher in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. Both pre and postmenopausal women have oral symptoms such as dry mouth, facial pain, and ulcerative lesions, but they are more frequent in postmenopausal women. Conclusions: Menopause affects the oral health and salivary pH of women. Postmenopausal women are more prone to oral diseases and have lower salivary pH than premenopausal women. Salivary pH may be used as a biomarker for oral health status in postmenopausal women.