EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF MENOPAUSE ON SALIVA

Abstract

Background & Objective: Menopause leads to physiological changes that take place due to
decreased production of estrogen by ovary in women. The study was carried out to know the
effect of menopause on saliva by evaluating the unstimulated salivary flow rate, viscosity, pH
and stimulate salivary flow rate and buffering capacity in menopausal females.
Method: The study was conducted on 50 healthy post-menopausal women (group I) and 30 pre-
menopausal women (control- group II), 20 males of similar age group as group I (control- group
III) respectively, who attended outpatient department of Oral Medicine and Radiology of
Ahmedabad Dental College and Hospital. Data were collected through a questionnaire and oral
examination. Samples of the stimulated and unstimulated saliva were taken. A standard size
paraffin wax was chewed by participants for stimulated saliva collection. Flowrate was measured
by observing saliva at orifices of the minor glands after some time. Viscosity was measure by
visual examination. pH was measured using strips. Buffering capacity was measured using buffer
test strips.
Result and Interpretation: A notable decrease in the unstimulated salivary pH and salivary
flow rate, and viscosity as well as stimulated salivary flow-rate and buffering capacity was found
in menopausal females compared to the control group.