Salivary Calcium and Albumin as Biomarkers of Oral Dryness in Postmenopausal Women: A Case-Control Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Menopause-associated hypoestrogenism significantly alters oral homeostasis, often leading to xerostomia. Although salivary calcium and albumin are indicators of mineral turnover and mucosal permeability, their specific correlation with subjective and objective oral dryness in postmenopausal cohorts requires further elucidation. The aim was to evaluate salivary calcium and albumin levels in postmenopausal women with and without oral dryness and to compare these findings with the clinical symptoms. METHODS: This case-control study included three groups (n = 40 in each group): Group I (premenopausal), Group II (postmenopausal without oral dryness), and Group III (postmenopausal with oral dryness). An unstimulated flow rate of less than 0.1 mL/min was used to measure oral dryness. The estimation of salivary calcium via colorimetric spectrophotometry (612 nm), and albumin was quantified using standard biochemical assays. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and Pearson's correlation, with sample size justified by power analysis (80% power). RESULTS: Group III (postmenopausal women with oral dryness) had significantly higher salivary calcium and albumin levels than both Group II and Group I (P < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was found between salivary albumin and calcium level. Multiple regression suggested that these biomarker elevations are associated with menopausal status, although age remains a potential confounding factor. CONCLUSION: Elevated salivary calcium and albumin levels serve as significant biochemical markers for oral dryness in postmenopausal women. These findings suggest that increased mucosal permeability and altered mineral transport are key physiological features of the menopausal oral cavity, necessitating targeted preventive dental care.