Oral manifestations of menopause-A challenge to the Dental Clinician

The aim is to explore the current theories about various oral manifestations in women in perimenopause, during menopause and post-menopausal period. Also discussed are the preventive strategies related to the oral manifestations in menopausal women based on the literature review.

Women's health and menopause is a rapidly expanding field of dental practice and scope for carrying out scientific investigations. Menopause is associated with a large number of symptoms affecting one's oral health. The condition of the oral cavity can be seen as a reflection of the general health of the individual. Oral discomfort is found in many menopausal women in addition to general climacteric complaints. The principal periand postmenopausal oral symptoms are burning mouth syndrome (BMS), dry mouth or reduced salivary flow rate, mucosal atrophy, oral ulcerations, oral candidiasis, dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral alveolar bone loss secondary to osteoporosis leading to tooth loss.

Currently there is no proven blood test or other laboratory investigations to detect if a woman has reached her menopausal stage. The only way to diagnose menopause is to observe lack of menstrual periods for continuous 12 months in the expected age range without any medical causes. However, a woman who comes to a clinic with symptoms can always take precautions, ultimate care, lifestyle modifications and medications to reduce the severity of her symptoms. Dentists play a substantial role in the early diagnosis and intervention of disorders seen in the menopausal era.