Comparison between pre-menopause and post-menopause women regarding periodontal health status in Sudan

Abstract

Introduction Little attention is given to oral health; national oral health guiding principles and strategies in several developing countries must be more evident. Hormonal variations that occur before, during, and after menopause can influence the teeth and periodontium. These changes also affect the body's response to even minor injuries or sustain an equilibrium between beneficial and injurious bacteria in the mouth. Various changes can occur in the oral cavity during the different hormonal phases of a woman's life. However, the most common postmenopausal oral features have been documented, and it is speculated that the decreasing oestrogen levels accompanying menopause may be a risk factor for developing periodontal disease. Aim The research aimed to determine whether oral health or oral health behaviour affects the periodontal disease status of women before menopause (pre-menopause) and after menopause (postmenopausal).