Selected Physicochemical Properties of Saliva in Menopausal Women—A Pilot Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate differences in selected physicochemical properties of saliva between menopausal and premenopausal women. Methods: The study population consisted of 9 menopausal women and 15 women of the control group. Laboratory tests included the determination of pH saliva, salivary flow rate, and concentrations of lactoferrin, lysozyme, immunoglobulin A, and ionized calcium. Results: Among menopausal women, statistically significant differences were observed in values of salivary flow rate and lysozyme and ionized calcium concentrations; however, no statistically significant differences for pH and concentrations of lactoferrin and immunoglobulin A were found. The salivary flow rate in the study group was significantly lower compared to that in premenopausal women. In relation to lysozyme, statistically significant differences were found between control group and menopausal women to the disadvantage of the latter. However, the concentration of ionized calcium in the saliva of menopausal women was distinctly higher than in the saliva of the control group. Conclusion: The saliva of menopausal women appeared significantly different from that of the control group. Differences in physicochemical parameters such as salivary flow rate and lysozyme and ionized calcium concentrations were observed. These differences in saliva properties observed in menopause can potentially affect the oral environment of women in this particular period, possibly increasing the risk of some pathological changes in the oral cavity and consequently indicating the need to take special care of this group of female patients in order to help them maintain proper oral health. Dentists and gynecologists should be aware of the problems associated with menopause and need to provide these women complete health care, including dental care as an integral part.

Changes in the Oral Cavity in Menopausal Women—A Narrative Review

“…Disturbances in calcium-phosphate metabolism regulation result in increased calcium release into blood serum and saliva [ 14 , 21 , 22 ]. Studies provided by Agha-Hosseini et al, Sewon et al, and Cydejko et al showed similar results, confirming the higher concentration of calcium in the saliva of menopausal women compared to the controls [ 22 , 23 , 31 ]. Therefore, a higher concentration of calcium in the saliva may affect the faster mineralization of plaque and increase calculus formation.…”

“…Cydejko et al also observed a statistically significant difference in the lysozyme concentration in the saliva of menopausal women compared to the control group. This parameter was significantly reduced compared to menstruating women [ 31 ]. Lysozyme, a part of the innate salivary defense mechanisms, presents antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity.…”

Methods in Raman spectroscopy for saliva studies – a review

“…Swab [50,137,148,232] Lashley cup/suction [69,138,233] Age, menopause, and hereditary factors also play a role in the flow rate of saliva. [128,129,209,210] With age, salivary glycoproteins increase as a consequence of innate immunity. In other cases, changes may be less due to aging and more due to ill-health and certain medicines used in older subjects, such as anticholinergics (neurotransmitter blockers), which may induce hyposalivation.…”

THE DIFFERENCES OF SALIVARY VOLUME, pH AND ORAL CONDITIONS BETWEEN MENOPAUSAL AND NON-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN

“…Estrogen deficiency can affect the maturation process of the oral mucosal epithelium. 18 The decrease in saliva volume and pH which is the impact of menopause will affect salivary function. Changes in salivary function can cause damage to oral tissues and have a major impact on quality of life.…”

“…This then results in an increased risk of caries which is damage to the hard tissues of the teeth caused by acids produced by bacteria due to the buildup of food debris that has been left in place for a long time. 18 Decreased salivary flow will cause abnormalities in the quantity and quality of saliva and result in loss of antibacterial properties of saliva, accelerate Candida albicans infection, increase the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. 22 Salivary pH and plaque pH, if they are below the critical value (5.5), will cause tooth enamel to begin to dissolve.…”