Abstract

EVALUATION OF HYPOSALIVATION IN POSTMENOPAUSAL FEMALES USING MODIFIED SCHIRMER TEST

Rakhee Modak*, Amit Mhapuskar and Mayur Chaudhary

ABSTRACT

Saliva plays important role in maintaining homeostasis of oral cavity. Saliva is being studied extensively & used for risk assessment, diagnosis & monitoring high risk behavior & disease progression. A variety of medical conditions & medications are associated with salivary gland hypofunction. The reduction of partial or total production of oestrogen during menopause causes significant decrease of salivary flow resulting in hyposalivation & symptoms of xerostomia.The objective of study was chair side evaluation of hyposalivation by “Modified Schirmer Test” in postmenopausal female & to discriminate between salivary flow of healthy & postmenopausal subjects, which might help them to seek required hormone replacement therapy.

Keywords: Hyposalivation, Xerostomia, Menopause.