Survey on Relation between Menopause and Oral Health

Abstract

AIM: This article aims at conducting a survey to study the influence of menopause on oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Questionnaire consisting of few questions was given to 50 menopausal women aged between 50-60 years of age. OBJECTIVE: This survey was conducted to assess the influence of menopause on oral health and also the various symptoms associated to it. BACKGROUND: Natural menopause is defined as spontaneous cessation of natural menstruation for 12 consecutive months at around 45-55 years of age (mean 50-52 years). Menopause is associated with a large number of symptoms ranging from physical to psychological. These symptoms may unfavorably affect the individual’s oral health. The most annoying oral symptoms are burning mouth syndrome, dry mouth, difficulty in swallowing, eating disorders, periodontitis and even osteoporosis. Also there is a sudden increase in the production of sex steroid hormones which results in increased gingival inflammation characterized by gingival enlargement, increased gingival bleeding and cervicular fluid flow and microbial changes. REASON: The reason for this survey was to throw light and create awareness among menopausal women about oral health its adverse symptoms.