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Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
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Menopause, skin and common dermatoses. Part 4: oral disorders
Mariha Ashraf1, Erin Kamp1, Esra Musbahi1
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|July 25, 2022
Summary
Menopause significantly impacts oral health due to declining oestrogen levels, causing issues like dry mouth and burning mouth syndrome. Further research is needed for effective treatments, including hormone replacement therapy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Oral Medicine
- Dermatology
Background:
- Declining oestrogen levels during menopause are known to cause physiological changes.
- Oral health is susceptible to hormonal fluctuations, particularly during the menopausal transition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the impact of menopause on oral health.
- To identify prevalent oral symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Studies focusing on the effects of oestrogen decline on oral tissues were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Falling oestrogen levels negatively affect gingival, oral, and buccal epithelia.
- Common symptoms include xerostomia (dry mouth), burning mouth syndrome, and immune-mediated mucocutaneous diseases.
Conclusions:
- Menopause presents a distinct set of oral health challenges requiring clinical attention.
- Further investigation into therapeutic interventions, such as hormone replacement therapy, is warranted for managing menopausal oral symptoms.
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