Influence of menstrual cycle and salivary B-estradiol on volatile sulfur compound

BACKGROUND: B -estradiol is a steroid sex hormone that plays important role in oral physiology. The aim of this study was to determin the association of the menstrual cycle and salivary B-estradiol with the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, twenty female dental students in good oral and general health were recruited for evaluation of VSC, salivary flow, B-estradiol concentration, oral dryness feeling and dysmenorrhea. Data were analyzed by marginal homogeneity test and xtgee model. RESULTS: The only covariates that significantly related to VSC were being at the follicular phase (B = -0.21, P = 0.02), being at the pre-menstrual phase (B = -0.25, P = 0.01), stressfulness (B = 0.02, P = 0.01) and oral dryness feeling (B = 0.34, P = 0.02). Salivary B-estradiol was at the level of 59.7 ? 31.2 in those having halitosis (VSC ? 75) while in the others (VSC < 75) it was about 40.8 ? 18.0 (P < 0.009). This difference was not statistically significant in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The menstrual cycle, stress and oral dryness were the most important determinants of halitosis. The salivary B-estradiol level could not explain such relationship as its effect was eliminated considering the other factors.