[Prevalence of xerostomia and hyposalivation in the nursing home and the relation with number of prescribed medication]

Abstract

In nursing homes, the number of patients with their own dentition increases. Many of them, however, are unable to perform oral hygiene procedures. Medication is considered to be an important cause of hyposalivation, which may lead to oral alterations and loss of teeth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of xerostomia and hyposalivation in a Dutch nursing home and to examine the possible relation with medication usage. Between January and March 2001, the salivary flow rates were measured in 50 patients residing in a nursing home in Amsterdam. Unstimulated saliva, parafilm-stimulated saliva and citric acid stimulated saliva were determined. Xerostomia was determined by the question "My mouth feels dry" and the medication used was examined. The data were analysed with (M)ANOVA. The average age of the patients was 78.1 +/- 9.7 years. Forty-eight % of the patients had an unstimulated flow rate of less then 0.20 ml/min and 24% had a flow rate even lower than 0.10 ml/min (reference values: 0.25-0.50 ml/min). The flow rate of women was significantly lower than that of men (p < 0.01), even after correction for age, smoking and the number of prescribed medications. Salivary flow rates decreased significantly with age (p < 0.05). The number of prescribed medication was significantly higher in patients over the age of 70 (p < 0.01, n = 42) and also in women (p < 0.01). The prevalence of xerostomia was 52% with no difference between men and women. In nursing homes, the prevalence of hyposalivation and xerostomia is high. The number of xerogenic medications used seems to be an important factor. Women and patients aged over the age of 70 years need special attention with respect to oral health.