Exploring Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women's Oral Health Perceptions and Practices in Australia-A Qualitative...

Area of Science:

• Women's Health
• Oral Health
• Menopause Research

Background:

• Hormonal shifts during peri/menopause increase susceptibility to oral health issues.
• Limited evidence exists on women's oral health management and provider roles during this life stage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Australian women's perceptions and practices regarding oral healthcare during peri/menopause.
• To identify challenges and facilitators in accessing oral healthcare for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen semi-structured interviews with Australian women aged 43-59 in peri/menopause.
• Hybrid thematic analysis to identify key themes and subthemes.

Main Results:

• Common oral health issues include dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, decay, gum problems, and bad breath.
• Barriers to care include cost, lack of awareness, systemic illness, and limited provider support.
• Reported impacts on mental health, lifestyle, and diet.

Conclusions:

• Women in peri/menopause are vulnerable to oral health problems and face significant management challenges.
• Need for patient-centered strategies: proactive screening, tailored guidance, and improved access to care.