Abstract
Background: Women in perimenopause or menopause experience poor oral health problems due to a decline in ovarian follicular activity. These oral health problems affect the quality of life of women. Studies have shown that healthcare providers can play a key role in addressing the oral health needs of women in perimenopause or menopause. However, very little is known about the current perceptions and practices of healthcare providers and any guidelines for the management of oral health for women in perimenopause or menopause.
Aims: The aim of this study was to review current evidence around the awareness, perceptions, and practices of healthcare providers in providing oral healthcare for women in perimenopause or menopause and explore current guidelines and recommendations in this area.
Methods: A literature search was undertaken across five databases: CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, ProQuest, and Cochrane. Literature published in English and explored at least one of the outcomes relating to healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, guidelines, and recommendations in the management of women in perimenopause or menopause were included. There was no restriction placed on the year or quality of the study to ensure all relevant studies were included.
Results: Four studies were identified of which three focused on healthcare providers. The findings of these studies revealed varied levels of awareness about the importance of oral health (31-82%). There was also limited focus on discussing oral health changes during perimenopause or menopause in clinical practice (54-56%). The majority of healthcare providers (64-68%) did not perceive routine dental visits as important during perimenopause or menopause. Only one recommendation document was identified to inform clinical practice which highlighted the need to maintain healthy teeth and mouth and schedule regular dental checks for women in perimenopause or menopause.
Conclusion: Although healthcare providers are in an excellent position to promote oral health among women in perimenopause or menopause, current evidence suggests there is limited, or no emphasis being placed in this area during clinical practice. Further research is needed to inform supportive strategies in this area which may include developing appropriate clinical practice guidelines and providing adequate training in oral health care to healthcare providers.