INTRODUCTION:

Natural menopause is a developmental stage in a women’s life, marking the spontaneous cessation of natural menstruation for 12 consecutive months at 45-55 years of age(mean 50-52).[1,2] It is the result of irreversible changes in the hormonal and reproductive functions of the ovaries. Hormonal fluctuations affect more than a women’s reproductive system. [3] Hormones have a potent effect on the development and integrity of skeleton and oral cavity.[2,4] They have a strong influence on oral cavity. Different phases of a women’s life: puberty, menses, pregnancy, and menopause have varied influence on a women’s oral health. During menopause women undergo through biological and endocrine changes, especially in the sex steroid hormone production.[5]

Received on 15.05.2015 Modified on 16.07.2015

Research J. Pharm. and Tech. 8(8): August, 2015; Page 1150-1152

DOI: 10.5958/0974-360X.2015.00205.X

Oral mucosa consists of a lot of estrogen receptors, variation in which can lead to adverse effects on the oral cavity. As a result the gums become more susceptible to plaque and thus lead to a much higher risk for gingivitis and advanced periodontitis.[6,7]. Menopause can also affect the bones throughout the body, reducing the relative anchorage that the jaw has on one’s teeth.[8] The principal post menopausal oral symptoms include dry mouth, sensation of painful mouth due to various causes and burning mouth syndrome. Painful oral symptoms are also associated with reduced salivary flow rate, mandibular dysfunction, diffuse gingival atrophy or oral ulcerations, oral candidiasis, pernicious anemia.[9,10] The affected individual also complain of moderate to severe, bilateral burning or cutting sensation of the tongue, lips or other mucosal surfaces.[11]

At the first line of treatment, the first step in prevention of any irreversible damage is to maintain flawless oral hygiene habits to remove plaque and tartar from the mouth. Other unpleasant symptoms are managed with hormone therapy (HT).[12,13]

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A survey based questionnaire was filled by 50 menopausal women aged between 50-60 yrs.

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

1. Female.

2. Aged 50 or over.

3. Cessation of menstruation for 12 months.

4. Hormonal analysis compatible with menopause.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

1. Local inflammation.

2. Infection or fibrosis of salivary gland..

3. Sjorgen syndrome.

4. Dehydration.

5. Autoimmune diseases.

6. Chemotherapy.

7. Post radiotherapy changes.

The patients were asked about dry mouth, taste and breath changes, mucosal and facial pain, burning sensation, ulceration, white or red lesions. A Performa was framed and all the relevant information of each individual was recorded in the same.

RESULTS:

In the present study 54% women complained of pain or burning sensations in the mouth, 56% women experienced dryness of mouth and a difficulty in swallowing food. While 54% women complained of gum bleeding on 42% female suffered with swollen gums. Painful mouth lesions were observed in 58% women.60% of women suffered from mild to severe tooth decay while 46 % women complained of mobile tooth. Only 32% women complained of mandibular dysfunction (i.e.) locking pain while opening and closing the mouth. 48% women experienced pain in facial region and an alteration in their taste sensation.

TABLE 1-PAIN OR BURNING SENSATION IN ORAL CAVITY

Valid	Frequency	Percent	Valid percent	Cumulative percent
Yes	27	54	54	54
No	23	46	46	100
Total	50	100	100

TABLE 2-DRYNESS OF MOUTH

Valid	Frequency	Percent	Valid percent	Cumulative percent
Yes	28	56	56	56
No	22	44	44	100
Total	50	100	100

TABLE 3-DISCOMFORT IN SWALLOWING

Valid	Frequency	Percent	Valid percent	Cumulative percent
Yes	28	56	56	56
No	22	44	44	100
Total	50	100	100

TABLE-4MOUTH LESIONS

Valid	Frequency	Percent	Valid percent	Cumulative percent
Yes	29	58	58	58
No	21	42	42	100
Total	50	100	100

TABLE 5-GUM BLEEDING

Valid	Frequency	Percent	Valid percent	Cumulative percent
Yes	27	54	54	54
No	23	46	46	100
Total	50	100	100

TABLE 6-SWOLLEN GUMS

Valid	Frequency	Percent	Valid percent	Cumulative percent
Yes	21	42	42	42
No	29	58	58	100
Total	50	100	100

TABLE 7-MOBILE TEETH

Valid	Frequency	Percent	Valid percent	Cumulative percent
Yes	23	46	46	46
No	27	44	44	100
Total	50	100	100

TABLE 8-TOOTH DECAY

Valid	Frequency	Percent	Valid percent	Cumulative percent
Yes	30	60	60	60
No	20	40	40	100
Total	50	100	100

TABLE 9-BAD BREATH

Valid	Frequency	Percent	Valid percent	Cumulative percent
Yes	25	50	50	50
No	25	50	50	100
Total	50	100	100

TABLE 10-MANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION

Valid	Frequency	Percent	Valid percent	Cumulative percent
Yes	16	32	32	32
No	34	68	68	100
Total	50	100	100

TABLE 11-PAIN IN THE FACE

Valid	Frequency	Percent	Valid percent	Cumulative percent
Yes	24	48	48	48
No	26	52	52	100
Total	50	100	100

TABLE 12-ALTERATION IN TASTE

Valid	Frequency	Percent	Valid percent	Cumulative percent
Yes	24	48	48	48
No	26	42	42	100
Total	50	100	100