Clusters explaining the relation between menopause and self-reported periodontal disease: a cross-sectional study

Menopause is an important milestone in the women's life continuum and is associated with potentially adverse effects, including those related to oral health. This study assessed self-reported periodontal disease in relation to menopausal status.

A cross-sectional study involving a convenience sample of female university dental hospital attendees was conducted using a validated, self-administered, self-reported periodontal disease questionnaire. A two-step cluster analysis was used to categorize the participants based on menstrual period (MP) continuity, systemic diseases and age. Differences between clusters were analyzed using chi-square test.

From 112 included participants, three clusters resulted from the analysis: Cluster #1 (37 ± 8 years, no systemic diseases and continued MP), Cluster #2 (40 ± 10, with systemic diseases and continued MP) and Cluster #3 (54 ± 9, with systemic diseases and discontinued MP). Cluster #3 tended to have less optimal oral hygiene habits and more missing teeth (p > 0.05). Clusters #1 and #2 insignificantly reported more gingival bleeding, tooth sensitivity and calculus (p > 0.05). Cluster #3, on the other hand, presented with more self-reported oral dryness (p ≤ 0.05).

Within study limits, clusters of menopausal women with systemic diseases reported high symptoms of periodontal disease that were not significantly different from younger individuals, with the exception of oral dryness.