Oral manifestations and dental treatment in menopause

Menopause is a physiological process typically occurring in the fifth decade of life in women, and involving permanent cessation of menstruation. Menopause is the consequence of hormonal changes that produce a series of general manifestations that have become increasingly important as a result of the increased female life expectancy in the industrialized world; indeed, such manifestations are observed throughout the last third of the female lifetime. However, oral symptoms are also found in addition to the more general manifestations of menopause (i.e., hot flush and psychological alterations). In this sense, an increased incidence is observed of dry mouth (xerostomia), disorders such as lichen planus, benign pemphigoid, Sjogren's syndrome and burning mouth syndrome, as well as a debated rise in the prevalence of periodontal disease. The dental treatment of such patients involves a series of particularities that should be taken into account, including the use of salivary secretion stimulators or saliva substitutes in cases of hyposialosis. Nevertheless, correct prevention, with good control of bacterial plaque, contributes to reduce the risk of many infections within the oral cavity.