Is menopause associated with an increased risk of tooth loss in patients with periodontitis?

Aim: To analyse the potential effects of menopause on tooth loss in women with chronic periodontitis. Methods: The study included 102 women between 35 and 80 years old with chronic periodontitis and at least six teeth divided into two groups: the study group (SG), which consisted of 68 menopausal women, and the control group (CG), which consisted of 34 pre-menopausal women. Each participant was given a survey to collect several demographic data points, general and oral clinical histories, gynaecological history and behavioural habits. Several oral and periodontal measurements were recorded, including the number of teeth, plaque index, presence of calculus, probing depth, bleeding on probing, gingival recession and attachment loss. The following statistical tests were used: Chi-square, Fisher, t-test for independent samples, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney non-parametric test and ANCOVA. Results: At least one tooth was missing in 98% of the women in the study. The SG exhibited significantly fewer teeth than the CG (SG 10.83. ±. 5.90, CG 6.79. ±. 4.66), but the difference was not significant after adjusting for age (p< 0.05). On the other hand, significant difference was not observed between the groups for the major periodontal measurements taken. Conclusions: Menopause did not appear to significantly affect tooth loss in the study population. The effect of menopause is likely small compared with other clinical and socioeconomic factors.