Oral signs and salivary parameters as indicators of possible osteoporosis and osteopenia in postmenopausal women - A study of 45 subjects

Aim: To correlate the oral signs, salivary calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase levels and dental radiographic findings in postmenopausal osteoporotic, osteopenic and non-osteoporotic women. Materials and Methods: Forty-five subjects were selected based on bone mineral density (BMD) analyses and were assigned to 3 groups (n=15): Group 1 - established osteoporotic women; Group II - established osteopenic women; Group III (control) - non-osteoporotic women. Complete oral and radiographic examination, saliva collection and analysis of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were performed. Results: The results were tabulated and analyzed for statistical significance using the Mann-Whitney U-test. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in salivary calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels when osteoporotic and osteopenic women were compared to the controls. Conclusion: Salivary parameters can be used as indicators to aid in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and osteopenia in postmenopausal women.