Prevalence of Orofacial Diseases in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Females: An Oral Medicine Specialist Obtique

Background: Midlife transition is like sailing a boat through younger seashore to an older end of the sea. Menopause in a female is accompanied by a number of characteristic physical changes; some of which commonly occur in the oral cavity like burning sensation, dryness, altered taste perception; and alveolar bone loss as a result of osteoporosis. Our study tries to focus on important orofacial disorders usually diagnosed by an oral medicine specialist in peri and postmenopausal women along with recent trends in their management.

Methodology: This study was conducted on 204 female patients between the age of 20 years-60 years having oral signs and symptoms frequently seen during peri and postmenopausal stage.

Results: Out of 204 patients, most peri and postmenopausal females reported with the chief complaint of dry mouth, oral burning sensation, halitosis and loss of taste sensation. The most common orofacial diseases observed in our study were atrophy of tongue papillae, erosive lichen planus with or without desquamative gingivitis, burning mouth syndrome, idiopathic orofacial pain, oral stomatitis and pemphigus vulgaris.

Conclusion: Most of the oral diseases are overlooked due to the lack of education, awareness for women's health, definite guidelines and approaches to the medical fraternity. Menopause requires a comprehensive approach by various medical and dental specialities to treat several enigmatic orofacial diseases. Together we can help our patients to live their senescence period in a healthy and better way.