EVALUATION OF SALIVARY URIC ACID LEVELS AS A NOVEL BIOMARKER IN THE ASSESSMENT OF ORAL HEALTH STATUS AMONG WOMEN AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THEIR LIFE CYCLE

<p>Hormonal fluctuations throughout a womans lifespan profoundly influence both systemic and oral health. Key physiological phases namely puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause heighten susceptibility to oral infections. These hormonal variations can significantly affect a womans overall quality of life. Saliva, being a readily accessible biofluid offers important diagnostic insights for the assessment of various pathological conditions related to hormonal changes.The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary uric acid levels as a novel biomarker in assessment of oral health status among women at different stages of their life cycle.</p> <p><strong>Methodology</strong>: The study protocol was approved by the institutional ethical committee and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Assessment of oral health status was done using simplified oral hygiene index and DMFT index.Clinical evaluation was carried out and appropriate score as per WHO was recorded.Saliva samples were collected from the study participants and were sent to a bio chemistry laboratory for evaluation of uric acid levels. The data obtained was entered on a Microsoft excel spreadsheet and statistically analyzed.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>The results of this study demonstrated that the salivary uric acid level was the highest in menopausal women followed by non menstruating, menstruating and pregnant women. The DMFT score was the highest among menopausal women and the oral health status was fair in comparison to a good oral health status observed among menstruating women and non menstruating women. This could suggest that there is a significant correlation between salivary uric acid level and oral health status among women. However further studies will be needed to investigate and promote greater insights with regard to the health needs of women.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong>A comprehensive approach to womens health encompassing menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, should be regarded as a fundamental component of the healthcare system. Salivary biomarkers such as uric acid can be used for assessment of oral health status among women. However, continued research is essential to develop deeper insights and advance understanding in these areas.</p>