Age and medication are significant risk factors for xerostomia in an English population, attending general dental practice

Abstract

Objective: To study the prevalence of xerostomia in an English population, attending general dental practice and relate it to age, medication and gender.

Design study: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Five General Dental Practices in Merseyside, North of England.

Subjects: 1,103 adult patients attending for routine dental care.

Intervention: Questionnaire administered by dentists.

Main outcome measures: Age, gender, systemic medication, reported oral dryness.

Results: 1,103 patients (654 females) were recruited, of whom 427 (39%) were aged 60 years or older. 26% of patients reported taking medication. The overall prevalence of xerostomia was 12.7% (males--10.3%, females 14.4%). Age, medication and female gender were found to be significant risk factors for xerostomia, using logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions: The prevalence of xerostomia (12.7%) in an English population was lower than reported in previous North American and Swedish studies. Medication was a significant risk factor for xerostomia and a better predictor of risk status, than either age or gender.