Oral health is profoundly influenced by systemic physiological states, particularly those mediated by hormonal fluctuations across the female reproductive lifespan. Among these, menopause represents a critical transitional phase characterized by endocrine alterations that exert multifactorial effects on salivary physiology, oral mucosal integrity, periodontal status, and dental caries susceptibility. Saliva, a complex biological fluid essential for maintaining oral homeostasis, undergoes quantitative and qualitative changes in response to variations in estrogen and progesterone levels. These changes have been increasingly associated with xerostomia, altered salivary pH and buffering capacity, increased plaque accumulation, periodontal inflammation, and heightened caries risk in menopausal and postmenopausal women. Despite growing recognition of these associations, oral health considerations remain underrepresented in menopausal healthcare frameworks.

This research article provides an extensive, theory-driven examination of salivary dynamics and oral health outcomes across menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, with a concentrated focus on menopause as a determinant of oral disease risk. Drawing strictly upon established literature, the article integrates histological foundations of oral tissues, mechanisms of salivary secretion, diagnostic indices for periodontal and dental disease, and epidemiological findings related to menopausal status. Emphasis is placed on the diagnostic relevance of salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity as predictors of caries and periodontal disease. The role of hormone replacement therapy, nutritional status, systemic health conditions, and psychosocial factors is critically analyzed to elucidate their modifying effects on oral health during menopause.

Through descriptive methodological synthesis and interpretive discussion, this article identifies key gaps in current research, including the need for standardized diagnostic protocols and longitudinal assessments of menopausal oral health. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating dental evaluations into comprehensive menopausal care and highlight the potential of preventive, educational, and interdisciplinary strategies to mitigate oral health deterioration in this population. By advancing a holistic understanding of menopause-related oral changes, this work aims to inform clinical practice, public health policy, and future research directions in women’s oral health.

Menopause, saliva, xerostomia

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