Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Menstruation, Pregnancy and Menopause on Salivary Flow Rate, pH and Gustatory Function

• Published in: Journal of clinical and diagnostic research 2014-10, Vol.8 (10), p.ZC81-ZC85
• Main Authors: Saluja, Pulin, Shetty, Vishwaprakash, Dave, Aparna, Arora, Manpreet, Hans, Vibha, Madan, Ajay
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dentistry Section; gustatory function; menopause; menstruation; pregnancy; salivary flow rate
• ISSN: 2249-782X; 0973-709X
• DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/9935.5071

There are five situations in a women's life during which hormone fluctuations make them more susceptible to oral health problems - during puberty, at certain points in the monthly menstrual cycle, when using birth control pills, during pregnancy, and at menopause. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of menstruation, pregnancy and menopause on salivary flow rate, pH and gustatory function. The study was carried out on 120 patients including 30 controls (with normal menstrual cycle of 28 to 30 d) and 90 cases (30 patients within three days of menstruation, 30 pregnant and 30 postmenopausal). Paraffin-stimulated saliva samples were obtained by expectoration to calculate salivary flow rate, pH was measured electrometically and patients were prospectively evaluated for gustatory function. Then, whole mouth taste test was performed in which the quality identification and intensity ratings of taste solutions were measured. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups with respect to salivary flow rate but pH values were significantly lower in post menopausal women (p