Background and Objectives: Menopause is a natural physiological process involving hormone production changes, affecting many functions and systems. This scoping review offers a contemporary outlook on oral issues related to menopause, such as saliva production, periodontal and alveolar bone issues, and changes in the microbiome, and it also investigates the effects of hormonal therapy. Materials and Methods: A literature search from 2019 to 2024 was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Articles investigating the oral effects of menopause were included. Results: A total of 30 studies were covered; 8 focused on salivary alterations, 5 on periodontal issues, 7 on bone, 3 on the microbiome, and 7 on multiple oral problems, showing that xerostomia and altered taste are the most common oral manifestations, followed by indirect causal effects on periodontitis. Many of these alterations can be contained through regular consultations and adequate hygiene. Some alveolar bone changes may occur after menopause and are associated with osteoporosis. Conclusions: Postmenopausal women experience notable reductions in salivary flow, pH levels, and taste sensitivity, which are associated with hormonal fluctuations as well as factors such as age, medication use, and treatments for climacteric symptoms. This population is at increased risk for periodontitis, tooth loss, altered taste, lichen planus, candidiasis, and decreased bone mineral density, which also affect the peri-implant area. Osteoporosis and hormonal changes can play a significant role in causing these increased risks. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and consistently monitoring bone health are essential. While changes in the oral microbiome are more heavily influenced by reductions in salivary flow than by menopause itself, hormone therapy may help improve periodontal health by reducing harmful bacteria and fostering a more balanced microbial environment. The intricate impact of hormones on oral health highlights the necessity for further research.

Introduction. Carioreceptivity-based, individualized prevention protocols allow a minimally invasive approach in many patients, in all age groups. The long-term success of such protocols depends not only on the actual caries experience of the patients, but also on the possible responses based on natural defense mechanisms. Therefore the salivary flow, the buffer capacity of stimulated and non-stimulated saliva and mostly the Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli number are highly important in deciding whether a long-term remineralization therapy can be successfully applied for early stage caries lesions. Similar tests may record the the acidogenicity of dental biofilms. These risk factors can be entered into a computer-based risk assessment program (such as Cariogram). Methodology. An extensive literature search was performed on Medline/PubMed using as key-words: Streptococcus Mutans, Lactobacilli, saliva volume, pH and buffer capacity. The methodology of selecting the reviewed literature and the inclusion criteria were based on articles published in the last ten years. Results. Besides topically applied remineralization products, either in-office or at-home, changes in the diet can diminish the number of cario-active bacteria, especially Lactobacilli. Latest researches show that dentifrices, especially toothpastes containing xylitol and/or probiotics can have a significant cario-protective effect. Conclusions. Dental caries assessment is very important for specific age groups, because most risk factors have specific consequences in different age groups. Pre-teen and teenage patients need more individualized caries management strategies in order to avoid the onset of new caries lesions. Root caries risk may be decreased by an intensive and continuous preventive care.

Background: This in vitro study compared the effectiveness of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape and a conventional cotton retraction cord for gingival displacement and evaluated the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of PTFE tape. Methods: Eight standardized prepared teeth with artificial gingiva were evaluated under three conditions: control, cotton retraction cord, and PTFE tape. After each condition, impressions were digitized using a CAD/CAM system. Sulcular width was measured at four predefined locations and averaged for statistical analysis. PTFE tape was also evaluated by tensile testing before and after sterilization and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Mean sulcular widths were 0.716 ± 0.118 mm (control), 0.851 ± 0.140 mm (cotton cord), and 0.907 ± 0.099 mm (PTFE). Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of the displacement method (p < 0.001), with PTFE producing significantly greater sulcular enlargement than cotton cord. Qualitative SEM analysis revealed a more homogeneous impression surface morphology following PTFE removal. Sterilization did not significantly affect the tensile properties or microstructural integrity of PTFE tape. Conclusions: Under standardized in vitro conditions, PTFE tape produced the highest gingival sulcular enlargement and maintained favorable mechanical and microstructural properties, supporting its potential as an alternative gingival displacement material. Further clinical studies are required to confirm these findings.