The Impact of Menopause on Dental Caries and Salivary IL-17 Levels

ABSTRACT Background: Menopause affects oral tissues similarly to other body systems. Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate dental caries experience in relation to salivary interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels among premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Ninety women aged 46–50 years were divided into two groups: 45 premenopausal (control group) and 45 postmenopausal (study group). Caries experience was recorded using WHO (1997) criteria. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected for IL-17 analysis. Results: The postmenopausal group had higher mean values of decayed surfaces, missed surfaces, and DMFS than the premenopausal group. Only the decayed surfaces showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01). The IL-17 level was also higher in postmenopausal women. Conclusion: Menopause may contribute to worsened dental health, reflected in increased caries severity potentially associated with elevated IL-17 levels. Further studies with larger sample sizes and additional salivary immune markers are suggested.